February 18, 2002
More from the book of poetry produced as part of the celebration of Wisconsin Baptists sesquicentennial.
A Brave Man’s Prayer
Give me the courage to live.
Live Dangerously.
Scorning risk!
Live honestly, daring the truth
Particularly the truth of myself!
Live resiliently
Ever changing, ever growing, ever adapting,
Enduring the pain of change
As though ‘twere the travail of birth.
Give me the courage to live,
Give me the strength to be free
And endure the burden of freedom
And the loneliness of those without chains;
Let me not be trapped by success,
Nor by failure, nor pleasure nor grief,
Nor malice, nor praise, nor remorse!
Give me the courage to go on!
Facing all that awaits on the trail …
Going eagerly, joyously on
And paying my way as I go,
Without anger or fear or regret.
Taking my life as it gives,
Spending myself to the full,
Head high spirit winged, like a god …
On … on … till the shadows draw close.
Then even when darkness shuts down,
As I go out alone, as I came …
Even then, gracious God, hear my prayer,
Give me the courage to live!
James W. Taylor
Go and live likewise!
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
201 Oak St.
Mauston, WI 53948-1333 608-8474555
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