The Brink
“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” ~Leonard Cohen~
The Brink (of Faith)
There I was again Before the eyes. Penetrating eyes, Looming Probing Searching for something I didn’t know I had. Unnerving closeness moist breath scent of wild untamed power Frozen terror touchless grip Firm and yielding comfortably captured by loveliness. Like willing prey I braced for the claws of vengeance That never came. The Lion could have roared, Yet it purred and wept It’s teardrops bathed my face; mingling with mine… in a sweet salty wetness.
Where the Light Gets In
One of my most unforgettable moments while working in India was when I found myself face-to-face with a magnificent albino Bengal tiger. Luckily, it was at the New Delhi zoo. Its head was as wide as my body, and its cold, piercing gaze sent shivers down my spine. We stared into each other's eyes, just about a meter apart, with our nostrils flaring as we had this intense stare-down. My chest rose and fell with each breath, my heart pounding, as I felt the tiger's calculating gaze, as if it was deciding how it might tear me apart. That moment filled me with both fear and awe, but I also felt a sense of resilience, knowing that the half-inch steel bars kept me safe and reminded me of the loving protection of the Savior.
The other day, I had the special opportunity to speak before a group of inmates at a correctional facility across my state, as part of a team of truly remarkable men. But the situation was quite different—no bars in sight, and instead of feeling intimidated by the crowd, I was overwhelmed by love. That’s the beautiful difference with the family of God. Among the many voices, ideas, encouraging words, questions, and comments, there was something that overshadowed fear—the expectation of joy. In this unlikely setting, a wonderful experience unfolded for everyone—humility blended with boldness. Isn’t it amazing how, in challenging places, we often find ourselves surprised to discover Christ’s mysterious glory, revealing His light in ways we might never have expected?
The poem, “The Brink,” comes from a deeply personal place—the overwhelming edge of despair. For many Christians, myself included, their journey feels like walking alongside a steep cliff. On one side are the beautiful, lush fields and valleys of the Kingdom of God; on the other, a dangerous drop into a swirling ocean of doubt, chaos, and discouragement. The path they walk is one of responsibility and perseverance.
The first stanza gently suggests that God sees a goodness in us that we might not be aware of ourselves. In the second stanza, there's a lovely hint that as we find ourselves captivated by His beauty, principles, glory, Word, and presence, we are lovingly held for a tender purpose. The third stanza beautifully points to a passionate bond between the LORD and His children, expressed through the mingling of tears, highlighting the depth of their connection.
I'm excited to announce that my website is now live! Windwalker Art is a warm and inviting space where you can find links to some of the art, music, and writing I’ve been lucky to create. Like all my work, it’s family-friendly in the traditional sense, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
