ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This colored pencil sketch would’ve been done in the Badlands of South Dakota. I imagine Paul was hiking through the area, took a break, pulled out his sketchbook and began to draw. He also had a photographic memory and could keep some of the details in his brain for future reference. I’ve used this poem more than once. It details my daily walk as I face various challenges along the way. Through the darkest times – through difficult decision making – through sickness and health – through confusion and trying to do the right thing – we all fall short. Our only refuge is our God and Lord, Jesus. Those bad lands can be overcome with His help. He guides us through the channels, the ups and downs, the maize that convolutes our thinking, the fear and anxiety. He alone is our greatest possession.

When fears and worries are so real,
We sometimes wonder why we feel,
The pangs of deep depression.

The weight extreme – we lose all hope,
Our hearts grow sad – for strength we grope,
To lighten this progression.

We look within and try to cope
There are no answers in our scope
It now becomes oppression.

We try so hard to rise above,
We search in vain for any love.
To deal with this obsession.

We cannot do it on our own,
We need one advocate alone,
To bring our full confession.

God takes our hand and leads us out,
Relieves our pain – our fear – our doubt.
He is our best possession.

His love is great – it sees us through
When there is nothing we can do.
Our words hold no expression.

He lifts us from the pit of death.
He died for us to give us breath.
To wipe out our transgression.