the one for jesus freaks.

for christmas, santa got me this book called Jesus Freaks: Martyrs.

i didn't ask for this book. but i've heard about it a bunch.. and i have never heard a foul word about it.

so i was really excited to read it. it's all about...

& martyrs. martyrs are those who are tortured, made fun of, caused pain or distress to, or even killed because of their beliefs. i knew going in that this book would be intense, but i knew it would help me somehow in my faith.

well last night.. i was reading this book (which is one of my monthly goals for january).. and i came across this incredible poem. it was written in 1931 and was inspired from a martyr in china named jack vinson.

a bandit warned jack that he was going to kill him and ask if he was afraid... jack replied "kill me, if you wish. i will go straight to God".

this is the poem, from e.h. hamilton:

Afraid? Of What?

To feel the spirit's glad release?

To pass from pain to perfect peace,

The strife and strain of life to cease?

Afraid - of that?

Afraid Of What?

Afraid to see the Savior's face

To hear His welcome, and to trace

The glory gleam from wounds of grace?

Afraid - of that?

Afraid? Of What?

A flash, a crash, a pierced heart;

Darkness, light, O Heaven's art!

A wound of His a counterpart!

Afraid - of that?

Afraid? Of What?

To do by death what life could not -

Baptize with blood a stony plot,

Till souls shall blossom from the spot?

Afraid - of that?

seriously, how beautiful is that?

i encourage you sit & simmer in that sometime today.

to embrace in the beauty & perfect life we can have when we have simple faith in God.

because God is good & he is faithful.