Karen Champs is a Server at All Saints and a well known face to many in Whitstable through Champs bakery. She is also our resident poet!
Here are some of her poems:
These were inspired by the “Where is God” York course (March 09).
Peace
Peace makes me happy
And happy gives me peace.
The quiet and still
Helps the Holy Spirit release.
Release to come
That helps still my soul.
Helping me to grow
To reach my goal.
My Goal of happiness
And peace, calm and still
And safe in the knowledge
God loves us and always will.
Decisions
Decisions, decisions.
Which way do we turn?
Decisions, decisions.
From whom can we learn?
What is intuition?
From where doth it come?
Is coincidence the same?
Do all believe or do some?
If its God, does He have a purpose?
A vision for our lives?
Does He give us opportunities
To make us stand back in surprise?
Or is it more of a purpose given?
With events and with signs,
Help from friends, scripture, spirit
For both good and bad times.
If we don’t follow the path
He waits patiently by our side.
Picks us up, dusts us down.
He won’t run and hide.
If we choose to put out our hand,
He will hold onto it tight.
Love us and nurture us;
Help to make the decision that’s right.
Suffering
What is suffering?
From where does it come?
Is it better to feel it?
Or allow ourselves to be numb?
When it is inflicted on ourselves,
How do we forgive and move on.
How do we give them Grace?
So that we can all belong.
How can suffering inspire
From decisions, illness to fear?
As people bear their pain Christ-like
Can we walk alongside, hold them near?
How do you feel for martyrs?
Could you die for our Lord?
If you could or you couldn’t
You are still loved and adored.
Death
What is death?
What does it mean?
Is it something you can touch?
Or is it something un-seen?
What is the fear that surrounds death?
Is it the fear of the un-known?
Or is it the fear of leaving behind?
When you die are you fully grown?
Does how you live your life
Each and everyday,
Somehow give you a gate pass
Or will they turn you away?
Does St Peter stand there
And welcome you in?
Or does he have a list
And reveal all of your sin.
Do we live life for the now
And just let things go?
Do we need to die so we can live;
So His seed He can sow?
Remember each day is a gift from God
That He is there in whatever you do.
So remember in living and dying
He will be there to comfort you.
Doubt
Where is God
When we try to make sense of life?
Where is God
In the trouble and strife?
Is He in our happiness
And our sufferings too?
In the confusing moments
Is he in these too?
If we could figure Him out
Would it help our fate?
Or confuse and distress us?
Throw us in a worse state?
Do we think God is an object
That He should appear?
Or more powerful because of non-appearances
Because we cannot see but can we hear?
Can we see God
In a human form?
People in a relationship with Jesus,
Who are compassionate, loving and warm.
God is always faithful to us.
Can we be faithful too?
So He can breathe the Holy Spirit in us
For freedom for me and for you.
I Don’t Know
Where is God
When its happiness we seek?
Is it when we are strong and upright,
Or down trodden and weak?
How about
When suffering is to be faced.
Can we feel peace and serenity
In this broken human race?
What about
When decisions are to be made
Is there a blueprint in life?
Or will we do as we are bade?
Where is He
When we contemplate death?
Is He waiting at the gate
As we draw our last breathe.
Can we ever
Make life make sense?
Or shall we give it to God
And get off the fence?
