NiteBecky's Literary Hall of Fame

Because of the magnitude of prose and poetry on the net. I try to limit myself to choosing a piece of literary work, which impresses my spirit so much so I can't help but share it so if you're one of those who have already seen some of these writings please read them again, sometimes words have a way of reminding us to look deep within and then to God above for direction in life. The writings on this page have made it into "NiteBecky's Literary Hall of Fame".

JUDGE GENTLY (author unknown)

Pray don't find fault with the man that limps or stumbles along the road
unless you have worn the shoes he wears or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt though hidden away from view
or the burden he bears, placed on his back might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today unless you have felt the blow
that caused his fall or felt the shame that only the fallen know.

You may be strong but still the blows that were his if dealt to you
in the selfsame way at the selfsame time might cause you to stagger too!

Don't be too harsh with the man that sins or pelt him with word or stone
unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure- that you have no sins of your own.

For you know, perhaps, if the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you
as it did to him when he went astray it might cause you to falter too.

CHILDHOOD DOESN'T WAIT (by Kathie Davis)

I was sitting on a bench while in a nearby mall,
When I noticed a young mother with two children who were small.

The youngest one was whining, "Pick me up," I heard him beg
but the mother's face grew angry as the child clung to her leg.

"Don't hang on to me," she shouted as she pushed his hands away,
I wish I'd had the courage to go up to her and say...

"The time will come too quickly when those little arms that tug,
Won't ask for you to hold them or won't freely give a hug.

"The day will sneak up subtly just as it did with me,
When you can't recall the last time that your child sat on your knee.

"Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings when we cherished time alone
Our babies grow and leave behind those special times we've known.

"So when your child comes to you with a book that you can share,
Or asks that you would tuck him in and help him say his prayer...

"When he comes to sit and chat or would like to take a walk,
Before you answer that you can't `cause there's no time to talk.

"Remember what all parents learn so many times too late,
That years go by too quickly and that childhood doesn't wait.

"Take every opportunity, if one should slip away
Reach hard to get it back again, don't wait another day."

I watched that mother walk away her children followed near,
I hope she'll pick them up before her chances disappear...

CLICK HERE to visit the St. Louis Moms Homepage.

WHY DO YOU LOVE ME? (by Michelle Sinclair, my daughter)

Why do you love me? I let you down everyday.
Why do you love me? I betrayed your trust.

How can you love? I turned my back numerous times yet,
you still welcome me back with your arms stretched out.

Why do you love me? I lie and hurt people.
Why do you love me? My heart is not pure.

How can you love me? Enough to give your life.
When I was the one who crucified you.

I got flowers today.
It wasn't my birthday or any other special day.
Last night we had a fight and he hit me,
But I know he is sorry,
Cause I got flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day.
Last night he threw me against the wall
and started to choke me,
But I know he's sorry,
Cause I got flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day.
I was so swollen and bruised,
I was ashamed to answer the door,
But I know he's sorry,
Cause I got flowers today.

If I leave him, where will I go?
What about money? What about my kids?
It's getting worse every time,
But I'm afraid to leave,
But I know he's sorry,
Cause I got flowers today.

I got flowers today.
My family and friends filed by to see me,
Asking why I never left him,
If I only had the strength and courage to,
but I didn't,
So I got flowers today.

Note from the author:

"To let you in on a little background, A friend of mine was in an abusive marriage. In Oct of 1991, I wrote the above poem for/to her. Her husband was about six feet tall, she is five feet two and blind. She not only didn't know when the next incident would occur, she couldn't even see the blows coming when it did. I did not write the poem to "win" her, but to get her to find the strength to get out of that situation. She is now alive and well and my wife."
- Allen "Two Trees" Dowdell

OUR FATHER JUDGETH NO MAN (by Barbara Philbrook)

Our Father judgeth no man this is very true,
Jesus is the one who judges me and you.

Our Father provided for our salvation,
and Jesus paid the price without hesitation.

Now it is up to us whether or not we accept,
this was done for us due to a love of great depth.

It's all explained in God's Holy Word,
it's spread about by those who've already heard.

You are beckoned by God so you will see,
in hopes you will choose eternity.

You are enlightened and made aware of the choice,
then God waits for you to claim it with your voice.

Our Father judgeth no man not even one,
He's committed that job over to His Son.

It only takes a few little words to cause much pain, and it only takes a few words to cause much happiness.

It only takes a few words to crush a heart, and it only takes a few words to give a heart joy.

It only takes a few words to alienate a friendship, and it only takes a few words to make a friendship blossom.

It only takes a few words to cause someone to go astray, and it only takes a few words to help them find their way back again.

It only takes a few words to destroy someone's hopes and dreams, and it only takes a few words to give a person reason to hope and dream again.

It only takes a few words to make someone cry, and it only takes a few words to take their tears away.

It only takes a few words to make someone's day sad and dreary, and it only takes a few words to make someone's day happy and cheery.

It only takes a few words to cause dark clouds to appear, and it only takes a few words to chase all those dark clouds away.

Just a few little words can comfort one in grief, can soothe a broken heart, can bring one back from the brink of despair.

Just a few little words can help someone cope, can help someone lonely feel not so alone.

Just a few words can calm someone's fears, and ease someone's troubled thoughts.

Just a few little words can brighten someone's day, and make their road in life easier to travel.

Just a few little words can lift someone's burdens, and help them make it through the day.

FOUND IN OLD ST. PAULS CHURCH, Baltimore. Dated 1892

Go placidly amid the nose and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have a story. Avoid the loud and afressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others, you will become vain and bitter, for there will always be a greater or lesser person than you. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble., it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Whether be cynical of about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture the strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars; you have a right to be here, and whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive HIM to be, and what ever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's shame, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful, and strive to be happy.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER (by Erma Bombeck)

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was
stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "GOOD" living room and
worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in
the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about
his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer
day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it
melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not
worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there
for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't
show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every
moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance
in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later.
Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's" ... more "I'm sorry's" ..
but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute ...
look at it and really see it ... live it ... and never give it back.

THE MARK OF LOVE (by Anonymous)

Our lives will touch a hundred lives before this day is done,
Leave countless marks of good or bad before the setting sun;
Let this be the wish we always wish, the prayer we always pray,
Lord let us leave the mark of love on those we touch today.

Strong vs. Strength (North American Society for Action on Pain)

This is to all of the strong women I know!!!

A strong woman works out every day to keep her
body in shape...but a woman of strength kneels
in prayer to keep her soul in shape...

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...but
a woman of strength shows courage
in the midst of her fear...

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best
of her ... but a woman of strength gives the best
of her to everyone...

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids
the same in the future...a woman of strength
realizes life's mistakes can also be God's
blessings and capitalizes on them...

A strong woman walks sure footedly...but a
woman of strength knows God will
catch her when she falls...

A strong woman wears the look of confidence
on her face...but a woman of strength wears grace...

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough
for the journey...but a woman of strength has
faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?