No Other Option

There is nothing more exquisite than the right word at the precise time it should be said (Proverbs 25:11). When those needed expressions of concern (or love) are framed (seriously, passionately, or comically) inside a beautifully-illustrated greeting card the end result is something that amazes both one’s sight (and emotions)

With that in mind, (at the beginning of February 2016) I decided to stretch myself as a writer. Below is an abbreviated version of what I told all my friends and family on Facebook about my decision.

“I may have found a way to make money using my writing skills on the Internet. Could you pray about this for me? Blue Mountain Arts cards are looking for people that can write prose (contemporary everyday speech, non-rhyming) for their cards on real life issues that people would want a card on (or might need one specific to their situation), but don’t necessarily know how to put into words.

I have submitted two prose writings to Blue Mountain Arts for consideration that I have never seen on a greeting card before. Both are emotions I would understand. God bless you all.”

Below are the two items I submitted by e-mail to Blue Mountain Arts. The first item I’m an expert at, but wish I wasn’t. The second item I’m partially experienced with. Someday, I will unfortunately experience it.

Miscarriage (Man) Card

When a miscarriage happens to a couple,

The man may wonder what he did wrong for this to happen.

Is God angry at him (for something he did)?

Why punish his wife?

The grief is overwhelming for him

Because his child also died.

How does he process this emotionally?

He feels powerless because

He is unable to stop the pain

For the woman he loves,

And make it all better.

Be assured that

God is not angry

At you (or your spouse).

Though it may not seem so right now,

You are a special couple to Him.

He has given you a unique opportunity (a gift).

When others sail

Through the choppy waters

Of a miscarriage,

You can both help them make

It safely to the other side.

Few couples can understand this

Like the two of you can.

The Almighty loves you so much.

Be a support to your wife

As she heals both physically and emotionally.

There will be many tears and lots of anger

In your healing process.

You (as a man) will survive this,

And be a more

Compassionate to others (a good thing)

As a result of it.

*HELPFUL HINT: If the sex of your babies were unknown at the time of your miscarriage, it may be helpful to record somewhere for each child a unisex first (and middle) name as well as approximate birth (and death dates) if known. This will help both of you to better realize that you have

children waiting for you in Heaven, which helps to ease some of the pain (for both of you, and provide needed hope).

**P.S.: My wife (Bobbi) and I (Robert) have had eight miscarriages. Our heavenly children include Taylor Lee, Brook Lynn, Lou Diamond, Erin McKenzie, Carroll Reese, Laurel Hope, Bailey Glenn, and Dorian Haley. Our one surviving child is a daughter, Allena Desire’e.

Death of a Dog (Owner) Card

Unless you are a dog owner;

No one can understand

How easily a canine can 

Walk into your heart (and life).

The phrases below 

Become normal vocabulary to you:

“Give me a doggy kiss,

Come get a yummy treat, doggy food,

Night night time to sleepy sleep,

Mommy (or daddy) don’t like boo-boos,”

And “look at all the dog hair on the floor.”

When a dog dies, many want a dog owner

To get over the loss quickly,

But it’s not that simple.

Dogs (by their very nature) are

Masters of unconditional love.

Owners are frightened to lose that

Because they wonder

If it will ever come again for them.

Be assured your pain is very real.

Take the time to grieve deeply.

Your dog would want you

To remember all the good times 

You had together.

They also would want you to

fully engage in life again

As soon as possible

I know you will

Be victorious over

This life challenge

(As you have been 

At other times in the past).

P.S.: My family has three Chihuahua dogs (Chico, Rosco, and Lola).

As to whether I’ll ever hear back from Blue Mountain Arts, remains to be seen. (I am highly doubtful of the probability of this because of the very religious tone in the first piece.)

I truly enjoy blogging (or any other opportunity to write). Writing is my passion. It is one thing that makes me feel truly alive (and useful) because I have no other choice if I wish to be the creative man God wishes me to be in this world.

Whatever you have a zeal for in life have you ever tried to think of different ways to do it in as a volunteer (or employment) opportunity. As for two examples, let’s take sewing and reading.

Being a seamstress, you could teach sewing at a school or craft store, make costumes or alterations at a local theater, make blankets for preemies at a community hospital, bless someone with a homemade quilt, or make simple dresses for young girls in a poor third-world country. (Your options are endless. Can you think of more ideas?)

If you enjoy reading, have you ever thought of volunteering for an organization like Voicecorps Reading Service? (This organization records the voice of people reading community news papers and other items for the blind. What a joy to give those the gift of reading who cannot do it for themselves.)

Elementary schools, churches, and nursing home facilities might also enjoy a reader occasionally. You could also provide book summaries (and critiques) on the internet of your favorite reading material. (Better yet start your own free blog on Google Blogger. It’s quite rewarding.) My mind has run out of ideas, but I bet yours hasn’t.

Always remember God has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Do everything in your life for God’s glory (I Corinthians 10:31). Pleasing Him should be the most important thing in your life.

Proverbs 10:22 (MSG) says, “God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.” According to this verse are you a wealthy (beyond what you deserve)? Take a moment to think about all the ways you could be considered a ”millionaire”?