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Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > Ethics, etc. > (No Subject)
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trosie
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 550
| Posted 11/10/2002 10:39 PM (GMT -6) |   | I am a pessimist in my thinking that we are facing the real possibility of war in the VERY near future thus who knows what tomorrow may bring... The following poem, written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in prison, is an inspiration and encouragement that whatever the outside circumstances, or the inner turmoils we face, we can be confident that we are God's children! This poem can be used as an inspiration for us when we face personal imprisonments in our own life because here was a man, who although was in prison facing death, had an inner peace due to his deep belief and trust in God. "Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine." The outside circumstances need not define those of us who are grounded and planted in Christ. So, I say to my pessimism, "Get behind me for I know not what tomorrow holds BUT I KNOW who holds it. I know who already has the victory and I am His child!"
A poem from Prison
Who am I? They often tell me I would step from my cell's confinement calmly, cheerfully, firmly, like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me I would talk to my warden freely and friendly and clearly, as though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me I would bear the days of misfortune equably, smilingly, proudly, like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really all that which other men tell of, or am I only what I know of myself, restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage, struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat, yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds, thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness, trembling with anger at despotisms and petty humiliation, tossing in expectation of great events, powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance, weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making, faint and ready to say farewell to it all.
Who am I? This or the other? Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once?
A hypocrite before others, and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling? Or is something within me still like a beaten army, fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine.
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PotOnWheel
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Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 9890
| Posted 11/16/2002 6:10 AM (GMT -6) | | | | |
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graygirl
Registered Member
Date Joined Aug 2001
Total Posts : 78
| Posted 12/22/2002 11:46 AM (GMT -6) | | | | |
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trosie
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 550
| Posted 12/22/2002 8:09 PM (GMT -6) | | I agree with both of you. I really liked this poem. I admire the faith that Bonhoeffer had.
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