I Can Do All Things

Tania's birthday post

Hello, Beloveds. Poet Jesus here.

Today, my holy ghostwriter Tania turns 54. She’s not ashamed to share her age because 1972 just happened to be when I decided to plop her down on Earth, specifically Long Beach, California, without any say on her part. For that reason, I deem it verily ridiculous for people to act weird about their ages. You are what you are, with all its challenges and glories. Amen.

I promise to protect your innards from this blue frosting. Image by Bridget Neff from Pixabay

You’ll see she wrote this poem quite some time ago, in response to one of my Book’s most popular verses. Even something as seemingly insignificant as overcoming a roller coaster phobia counts.

Tania still hates roller coasters. Pretty much all heights, actually, and I give no holy mandate for her to change her mind. But there is something about trusting me, even with the smallest things, and inviting me along for the twisting ride that makes my heart swoop.

What’s your roller coaster today?

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

I Can Do All Things

Philippians 4:13*

Even stand in line for my first roller coaster
     at the age of forty-one—
stomach already lurching—
     but consider staying upright
sipping an eight-dollar soda
     the way of fools.

     Omniscience, yes. Cries rise
from the cancer clinics
     and droned-out fields.
I whisper Jesus as the car rickets
     to the top, Save me
as the first plunge swoops me into loop,

     then another, asphalt flashing.
This matters: the right hand of God
     pressing against my shoulder harness
as I corkscrew through the sky
     and scream, his good
and faithful fool.
 

*I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

First appeared in Second Sky.

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