Hope for the hurting: Poetry book offers one mom’s perspective

The poems that comprise her new book, Urban Wisdom, published by the Impact Houston church, are from the heart of a gentle, Christian woman whose trials would have crushed and embittered most people, said Charlie Middlebrook, Impact Houston elder.
“We think you will be inspired by what you read,” Middlebrook said.

Excerpts from selections found in Urban Wisdom, by Patrice London Thomas, reprinted with permission:

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR WORLD?

What is happening to our world?
Because sometimes I feel that it is going to hell. Drugs, prostitution, gangs, babies being led astray by strangers. Mothers hanging on corners, running behind men.
What is happening to our world?
What can we say about it? Well, I don’t know. So all I am going to do is ask everyone to just pray and ask God to please come into the hearts of those who need you.
What is happening to our world?

WHEN I’M LOST

When I’m lost, you shine your light for me to see my way through.
When I’m afraid, your love keeps me safe, then I know I can feel alright, because you’re by my side.
You provide me with the right kind of help that can capture my faith.
When I’m lost, you speak to me.
When I’m lost, I will remember how to say a spiritual prayer.
GO TO THE CROSS
Sometimes when life has got you feeling blue, and every emotion is squeezing you so tightly that you find it hard to breathe,
Go to the cross.
When you feel like your end is drawing near, and you’re on the verge of having a nervous break down,
Don’t you dare give up!
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO AFRAID OF CHANGE?
I wonder at times, how can people do the same things over and over again?
How can they just sit and watch their life go by?
Are they waiting for someone to wave a magic wand?
Why are they so comfortable with just standing around?

HE’S SHOUTING YOUR NAME!!!
When you feel the power of Jesus racing through your veins, get up and move.
He’s shouting your name!
Don’t you hear the sound of the trumpet?
He’s shouting your name! to release you from certain things that would normally bother you.
He’s shouting your name! through the spirit of the father.
He’s shouting your name! with sensation.
He’s shouting your name! if you do not fear unnecessary things.
He’s shouting your name! when your heart is pierced with pain, and it seems like no peace you’ll find again.
He’s shouting your name!

I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN
I have been chosen to see what God has brought me through.
He hasn’t forgotten me.
He has come to deliver me from my old self.
I have been chosen to walk with my Father, so I shall throw away certain doubt and see myself as victorious.
The book is available at the church for $14 and by mail for $17. For more information, call (713) 864-5667, e-mail [email protected] or see the church Web site at www.impacthouston.org. Most of the proceeds will go to the author.
PHOTO CAPTION: Patrice London Thomas signs copies of her new book of poetry, Urban Wisdom, after a recent Sunday morning service at the Impact Houston church. Her 13-year-old son, Christopher, first introduced his mother to the inner-city congregation after participating in its summer youth programs. Now a Christian, Thomas said she hopes her book touches people who are hurting. “God is the key, the answer to everything,” she said. (Photo by Bobby Ross Jr.)