Take a look behind you
Normally I do “This Writer’s Journey” on Fridays, but today, I had to post something my sweet Mother-in-Law wrote back in 1988.Today marks one week since she was laid to rest. She went home to Jesus Monday October 24th and we said our final goodbyes on Friday October 28th.
During that funeral service, I took the podium and read a poem she’d written. The family found it while looking through old photographs.
Those of you who may be new to the blog and don’t know my deep connection with my mother-in-law, her name is LYNN. Yep, same as mine because I took that as my pen name to honor her. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders. She read the first thing I ever wrote before I even knew I’d try and start writing for publication.
So, here is her poem:
Take a Look Behind You
Take a look behind you, someone’s hurting there.
Maybe you can reach out, show them that you care.
You question what your role is, what you could ever do.
You say, “Someone should help them”, could that someone be you?
~~~
The person there behind you needs Jesus, that you know.
To share the love and grace He did was His command, and so-
If you would like to reach out but wonder if you can,
God’s working all around you; just join Him in His plan.
~~~
The one that’s there behind you may be a struggling soul,
Who comes to church and plays the game but doctrine takes its toll.
To this one no one mentioned how real are love and grace.
A load of guilt from past mistakes is present in its place.
~~~
And not so far behind you, there’s an aging person there.
Who has a lot of wisdom and experience to share.
But visitors at their front door they very seldom see.
Alone they sit with memories of how it used to be.
~~~
Perhaps the one behind you is a lonely woman who
Feels no appreciation for the things that she must do.
She cares for children, cooks and cleans and does the tasks at home.
She has no one to talk to and feels so all alone.
~~~
The one behind you, too, may be the anxious businessman
Who bears financial burdens and works as best he can.
He seems in charge, he’s strong and tough, this all by outward show.
While inside he’s a frightened boy, but he’ll let no one know.
~~~
And look right there behind you, you’ll see a busy teen
Who’s privacy and family times are few and far between.
From peer there’s often pressure that tempts and leads astray.
She knows the right thing from the wrong, but still goes her own way.
~~~
There’s near enough behind you the ones who live in sin.
They try by their own efforts, but just can’t seem to win
They know deep down inside them, they are not living right.
The grasp of sin is all too strong and holds with all its might.
~~~
Jesus seeks to save all these; He wants to ease their pain.
That’s why He died upon the cross, exactly why He came.
So do you ever wonder where the hurting are?
Just take a look behind you; you needn’t look so far.
~~~~~~~~
Lynn Boeyink, 1988
25 Comments
Lindsay
Crying. Sending you and your family hugs
Deb Vander Weide
Thanks for posting the poem that Lynn wrote.You did a great job of reading it at Lynn’s service.It is difficult to believe that she is no longer here,but thankful she is not in any pain anymore.She will be missed!!She was a great lady!
Lisa Kessler
Beautiful poem!!!! I’m so glad you’re keeping her memory alive and bright!!!
*HUGS*
Lisa
Lynn Rush
Her memory will always be shining. In every book I write. Every dedication. Every time I get “first copy” she’ll be there. She’ll be a part of it. I hope to find a cancer research center to align with and do proceeds from each book. That’s in the works. I hope it all pans out in time for Awaited and the trilogy! 🙂
Lisa Kessler
Oh that’s a great idea Lynn!!! I’m sure she would be so proud of you!!!
*HUGS*
Lisa
katyupperman
Oh my goodness… I’m nearly teary in my neighborhood coffee shop. So moving and beautiful, Lynn. I’m so sorry about the loss of your mother-in-law. She sounds like she was a lovely woman.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Katy. Sorry to make you cry. Lynn had a knack for that! LOL. She was a lovely woman, indeed!!! 🙂
J. A. Bennett (@j_a_bennett)
That is so beautiful! It makes me want to give you and your grandmother a hug 🙂
Lynn Rush
OH. She gave the BEST HUGS ever!! Always called me, “honey.” she was so sweet!
Lori Lundquist
Awesome. Thanks so much for sharing! *hugs*
Lynn Rush
Hi, Lori. MISS YOU!! Thanks for stopping by.
Michael Offutt
What wonderful words. It shows where you got your writing talent.
Lynn Rush
She’s a talented lady for sure. Read the first thing I ever wrote, so I learned a lot from her for sure. 🙂
lbdiamond
A lovely tribute! *hugs*
Lynn Rush
Thanks, LB! 🙂
Slamdunk
Amen Lynn. What a treasure and thanks for sharing.
Lynn Rush
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by!
adaftscotslass
Stunning poem, so sweet
Lynn Rush
Thanks. She did good, huh? 🙂
Tara Fuller
That is so beautiful Lynn. Your mother in law sounded like a talented wonderful person. Thanks for posting that for all of us. 🙂
Lynn Rush
She was. I didn’t even know she wrote until she showed up at my wedding having written something–just as moving as this. She made everyone cry at my wedding. LOL. But it was good. 🙂
Ciara Knight
That is a beautiful poem, and so true. I’d love to share this with my woman’s bible study, if that is okay with you. I’m sure she was smiling from Heaven watching you honor her. *hugs*
Lynn Rush
You totally can share this. She’d want that! 🙂 THANKS, Ciara.
Kendall Grey
This poem is *so* sweet! It must have been hard to read it at the funeral, but I’ll bet everyone was glad you did. Hugs!
Lynn Rush
Surprisingly, I made it through the reading with bawling. I know, shocker, right? I was honored to read her story. We followed it by a video from Laura Story called BLESSINGS totally LYNN all the way!