“A Creed For Those Who Have Suffered”
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey …
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things …
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise …
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God …
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things …
I got nothing I asked for — but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed!
I just recently encountered this great poem. I became speechless, and this poem stayed in my mind for a while.
This poem teaches us humbleness, gratitude, and acceptance, and gives us a feeling of grace, among other things. Wow, what a great poem! I thought there was nothing I needed to add here, but when I started to think about it, I decided there was something missing.
In Christianity, one of the main teachings is that “you are good as you are.”
I think this is great for someone who needs help, who is hurt, or who is suffering. Of course, this poem and acceptance of Christianity is a great help, I have nothing against it.
But for me, if I get told “you are good as you are” all the time, I’ll get lazy. For example, I’ll think “Oh really? I’m good as is? Thanks!” Then I’ll feel as though I don’t need to improve myself and I’ll just start letting myself go.
I would like to believe that I can better myself in many ways, and not just be satisfied with whatever state I’m currently in.
And then I read the poem again, and found that that’s already included in it! I first read the poem in a shallow way. It’s not just about acceptance and gratitude. It also says that if you look for the missing part of yourself, that’s when you’ll grow.
So, this poem is not only for those who suffer, it is also for those who want to grow. And cheer themselves and others up.
When you look at the obstacles in your life, the things that make you feel stuck or like there’s a big wall in front of you, that’s when you have a chance to grow. You are being given a chance to open up your potential.
Here again, opposite is equal.
Let’s overcome our obstacles, become freer, and open up our potential!
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