Fret Not

 Fret Not

Fret not if you do not understand. 

There is a greater calling beyond man. 

Your ministry is not of this age.

Have faith, as you turn the page. 

A day is coming for you and others. 

A day where you will minister with your brothers. 

That longing in your heart you have always felt.

Was put there by me where I have always dwelt.

I have a bigger plan for the entire earth.

And many will take part who now question their worth. 

I look not at the great inventions man has discovered. 

It was me who let them see what I alone have uncovered.

I am not impressed by monetary sacrifice. 

Or by those who are generous and nice. 

Because those are simply works of the flesh,

But without me they all still lead to death. 

Fret not because I have not unfolded my plan.

I will, in my own time, help all understand. 

But only I know the time and the hour 

When I will reveal myself with glory and with power. 

I give you small hints, at times, of what is to come.

Before I call you to rule and reign with my Son. 

That is when you will see the fruits of your labor

The lives touched when you followed me and I extended my favor. 

Fret not, because even though you feel that seed that you planted–

Fell on rocky places and many words recanted. 

Have faith because with your human eyes you cannot see–

My purpose in the earth and divine decree.

Fret not my child, all things are under my watchful eye. 

Though it makes no sense and you can't understand why. 

Those who have faith in me in the midst of all they see. 

Are the ones who will minister before me. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

 

 

He Is With Us

 He is With Us

He is with us in our darkest hour. 

When we feel we've lost all power.

When we have no strength to carry on–

He lifts us up and makes us strong. 

He is with us when no one understands. 

When we can't keep up with life's demands. 

He carries us through weary days. 

And revives our souls out of its tearful haze.

You see He feels what we feel.

His heart aches over our sadness so real. 

He gathers every tear, every emotion. 

And holds us in the midst of the storm and commotion. 

He understands us like no one could. 

He bears our burdens like no one else would. 

And sometimes when we look up we see Him there,

Even though we blamed Him in our despair.

He simply waits for us to breathe.

To let go and let Him meet our need.

And when we do, oh such a burden is lifted. 

Others think we are strong, resilient and gifted. 

But unknown to them we're not alone. 

HIS strength is what the world is shown. 

It doesn't mean we never fall apart.

Healing takes time as He mends our heart. 

He is with us today and forevermore. 

He speaks, He guides, and He won’t ignore

He hears every prayer, each silent plea

Our Father leads us out of the dark, setting us free. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

This poem has been set to music found here:

https://youtu.be/Ll2hz3u-2AE?si=6i-cEaz0s1x_9LKX

Opposing views

I find it amazing when I watch the news, how both parties make the same claims about the other side.  I know which side I am more alligned with.  The truth is though, Jesus Christ died for all of us.  His truth should be the foundation of what we believe in our heart and even in our politics.  

It's hard though, when both sides claim they are Christian. They declare to be defenders of our constitution. Yet at the same time, both sides have polarizing policies.  I woke up in the middle of the night as the first two lines reverberated in my head. 

Opposing views

Why is it, when we on the right take a stand,  

We're accused of hate, with deception close at hand?  

Yet when the left declares what they believe,  

They're hailed as heroes, destined to achieve.  

Why is it, when we questioned the COVID vaccine,  

We were cast as villains—cold, cruel, and mean?  

But when the left walks through Planned Parenthood’s door,  

It’s called a brave choice, praised all the more.  

When a conservative speaks of what made this nation great,  

He’s labeled a racist, a Nazi, a vessel of hate.  

Yet when a liberal shares his opposing view,  

He’s seen as kind, though none of it’s true.  

This is the world we’re living in today:  

Both sides shout, both sides sway.  

Each claims the other breaks the Constitution,  

Each offers a different, clashing solution.  

Two bibles, two laws, two paths to defend—  

Each side insists theirs is the end.  

But only one truth will rise and shine,  

Only one Word stands the test of time.  

So stand for what’s right, make your declaration,  

Live with boldness, not hesitation.  

For when all is said and all is done,  

The truth is found in God’s own Son.  

We live in a world of opposing views,  

And truth is often hard to choose.  

It’s not the one who seeks to please,  

But the one who clings to Christ with ease.  

Not the voice that avoids offense,  

But the heart that stands in reverence.  

For in the end, what will remain  

Is faith that endures through joy and pain.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

We Will Not Be Baited

We Will Not Be Baited

We will not be baited thinking we are standing tall. 

We will remain faithful to our God only answering His call. 

We will not be tempted to argue over what we believe. 

And have our words twisted by those who are deceived.

We will not be baited to engage in arguments over words. 

We know the truth and believe in what we've heard.

We will not argue with those who refuse to see. 

But only seek to trap us by their words and creeds. 

We will not be baited by those on the other side. 

As they make false allegations that can be denied. 

As they try to demonize us for our faith and life we lead. 

We will walk away and continue to the Holy Spirit heed. 

We need no words. We will not reply. 

Jesus spoke not a word, just before he died. 

He will give us words to say when the time is right. 

Until then rest in your Savior and resist the fight. 

God will go before us and make the battle cry. 

He will sound the trumpet and we will be ready to reply. 

Just rest in Him my warriors, though you are ready to defend. 

Don't waste time arguing with those who will never be your friend. 

We will not be baited or engaged in your war on Words. 

We understand the battle is spiritual and we believe in what we've heard. 

So we wait on God and ask Him to show us when

To enter into battle because in His power we will win. 

No….we wont be baited no matter what you say. 

Our faith is firm, established as we bow our heads and pray. 

We pray for God's Kingdom to come to earth. 

And stand at the helm with His armor awaiting on His Word. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

I Forgive Him

I Forgive Him

She knew what she must do– God gently explained. 

Oh, she had no problem standing up and calling on His name.

But the next step was harder, as God gently held her close.

And said “I'm going to ask you to do what hurts you the most.”

In her tears she looked to him and said “Oh God why?”

How can I let this go– the hurt runs so deep inside.

How can you love someone who brings so much pain?”

He said “Because I love all men– and did not die in vain.”

“I forgive him,” she declared for all the world to hear. 

Standing in her grief, yet without fear. 

And as she spoke the audience was moved by love. 

This is what it's about, what we should be thinking of.

“I forgive them” Jesus said. while he was on the cross….

“They know not what they do,” he continued, paying the final cost. 

When Peter asked “How many times must I forgive?” 

Jesus answered with a number hard for most who live.

“I forgive him”--words easy to say, but hard to feel,

Especially toward one who without thought chose to kill. 

But Jesus loves all men–it's not ours to decide. 

And when we hang on to that debt, it tears us up inside.

Forgiveness is not something our world applauds. 

We are taught to get even, to take them for all they've got.

But unforgiveness is not for God's people.  

Especially when we have been released from our own evil. 

“I forgive him.”--Three words that echoed through the world..

She may not have known what she had just unfurled. 

But God's Spirit moved across the earth.

Inviting all who thirst to come and find rebirth.  

“I forgive you,” Jesus said when he died. 

It was for the entire world that he was crucified. 

And when you say it too, you are choosing to set him free–

The one who may owe you into eternity. 

“I forgive you” are the words of an overcomer.

And its power exceeds the lightning and thunder. 

Those words reverberate across the earth and into heaven's throng.

Where the angels sing before the Lamb the most angelic song. 

I Will Pray for You

I scroll Facebook on and off throughout the day.  There is so much division, so much hate.  Today, I am watching the Charlie Kirk Memorial and I wonder how these haters feel about it.  

It's sad to see even posts from people I consider friends.   With that in mind, came the following poem. 

I Will Pray For You

I read the hate and how they try to turn the tables. 

They mock and ridicule us calling our faith a  fable. 

And I am tempted to respond by calling it all out. 

To correct their thinking, to silence their doubt.  

But my hand is restrained, my tongue is held still. 

God will speak justice by His sovereign will.

My faith does not require approval of any man. 

God upholds me right here where I stand. 

To those who cheered at a Godly man's death, 

Know  your views will be weighed by God's breath.

And the truth is, I pray for you to turn your heart before then. 

I pray that you will be reconciled to God and turn away from sin. 

You can say who am I to judge and to condemn. 

Again you fail to see my heart and love for all men. 

I restrain myself from hateful words I could say. 

Instead I get on bended knee and pray. 

I reserve judgement for God alone. 

He reigns in power, seated on His throne. 

And I believe you know not what you do–

So I look to heaven and intercede for you. 

There are many ideologies, religions and doctrines we believe.

There many good works men of all cultures have achieved.

But none of that matters without faith in Jesus Christ. 

Our fleshly deeds are dust in God's sight. 

So give your millions you have earned to your favorite charity. 

Stand up for the weak and broken and proclaim your morality. 

While those acts are worthy of man's praise. 

God looks at our hearts not our works and  saves us by His grace. 

So when I watch the news and the social media feeds. 

As man fights against man over doctrines and creeds–

I hold back my voice and simply choose to pray. 

My words pale in comparison to what God has to say. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

Be Still and Know

Be Still and Know

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and listen along the path that you trod.

When you speak to me, breathe–rest in my presence.

Shhh…. Don't speak, just listen in reverence. 

Be still my child, I know you have much to say.

But I know your heart, as you kneel to pray.

I am not far off and beyond your reach. 

I reside within and my spirit will teach.

But be still so you may hear my voice.

Be patient and strong before making a choice.

At the right time, in the right way, I will answer–

Not before and not after.

So simply be still and know: I am El Shaddai.

I am Yahweh, the great God to whom you cry.

I comfort the brokenhearted by healing them.

I guide those who seek me to turn from sin.

I change hearts but only when invited to.

I love you more than you know and patiently wait for you.

Be still, be ready. I am right where you are.

Again, my child, I remind you– I'm not very far.

I see all things– both good and bad.

I rejoice at some, and at others I'm sad.

For I long for men to choose life, not death. 

I see what is and what has not happened yet. 

So be still and know: I am in control. 

I am the God of heaven and earth and will make all things whole. 

Fret not over what you see in the world today. 

For the evil one is temporarily holding the world sway. 

A day is coming–it is now at hand–

When I will silence evil right where it stands. 

The entire world will profess my name for all to hear. 

As I remove all sin and wipe every tear. 

So be still, my child until then. 

Know I am watching over the how and the when. 

My arm is not so short that I cannot save--

Those on the earth, and those in the grave.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

This poem was turned into a song and can be heard on my youtube channel here: 

https://youtu.be/yYwrMC2a1FI?si=Iw8E6CLVE77E5Nle

I Dare You

I watch the news every night—and yes, sometimes I end up yelling at the TV, depending on what’s being said. It’s hard not to get frustrated when you hear things that are so inaccurate, so far from the truth.  

But at the end of the day, I remember who’s truly on the throne. God is in control of everything that happens, even when it feels chaotic or unjust.  

Still, there are moments when I just need to write out my frustrations. And it’s funny—because every time I do, God gently reels me back in. He reminds me of His perspective, His sovereignty, and His grace.  

That’s the heart behind the poem that follows.

I Dare You

Those of you who claim you cannot speak,  

That the First Amendment has grown weak,  

That freedom is gone in this land—  

I dare you! Why not take a stand?

How many of you would boldly go  

To a conservative college and share what you know?  

Would you navigate hatred, endure the heat,  

And still choose dialogue over retreat?

I dare you to go on Hannity and teach,  

If your truth is real, then rise and preach.  

But how many times have you been asked to debate,  

Only to decline, dismiss, or hesitate?

There’s a difference between Charlie Kirk and his crowd—  

They stand with courage, humble, not proud.  

They don’t burn buildings when they feel wronged,  

They pray, hold vigils, and remain strong.

Will you stand for God when no one else will. 

When values are mocked will you stand still?

Would you dare to put your life on the line?  

Charlie Kirk did—time after time.

He didn't spend time hating he just spoke truth

He had a heart to open the eyes of our youth,

Despite our colleges and their indoctrination

He gave a voice to young people across this nation. 

Fear was not in his vocabulary.  

He faced the haters, though it might be scary.  

So while you cheer his death and curse his name,  

We will not stand for your hatred and shame. 

We’ve received a call from our God on high  

To labor in truth till the day we die.  

And yes—we’ll pray for your heart to turn,  

For hatred is not where we yearn.

Go ahead—speak, say what you feel.  

But if your words inspire someone to kill,  

That burden is yours, and I pray it won’t come to pass.   

Yet sadly, my brothers, it already has.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

The What If Train

The What If Train

All Aboard come one come all. 

The train is about to depart when the conductor calls. 

There are not many seats left on this train.

It's named, “what if” and many ride in vain. 

We board and head to the first destination:  

A weary stop known as Frustration.  

The conductor feeds our “what if” thinking,  

With visions of car crashes, boats sinking.

And when we arrive, we get back on again.

Bound for a city called Worry, where it all begins.  

We fret over things that never came to be,  

Haunted by chilling scenarios we only see. 

We settle in—this train feels like home.  

We replay regrets, long since gone.  

Next stop: Past Mistakes, where guilt resides,  

And “what if” shame alters our strides.  

“All aboard!” the conductor cries, far and near,  

As we leave Mistakes and head toward Fear.  

This place paralyzes, stops us in our tracks,  

And the conductor’s voice feels like an attack. 

It’s the What If Train—but you can get off anytime.  

The next stop is Crossroads, where we reach a sign:  

A fork appears, a choice to be made—  

Keep riding, or let go of the burdens we’ve weighed. 

That's where we find the road to peace. 

And where we realize our true destiny. 

So next time you hear all aboard, don't get on. 

Wait for the next train calld you are strong. 

“What if” is not in the language of His Word—  

This path takes you where the Prince of Peace is heard. 

It's in this town that Jesus reigns.

And frees you from the lies heard on the “What If” Train.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

This poem was adapted into a song and can be viewed on my YouTube channel here:

https://youtu.be/2uvBxsQkmD8?si=16Kh2OJssVSX3QYW

Show Me Your Ways

SHOW ME YOUR WAYS  

Show me Your ways, O God above.  

Reveal to me Your unfailing love.  

Help me to know Your Law deep in my heart—  

To live it out and bring light to the dark.  

Show me Your ways, not the ways of man.  

Empower me to spread it across this land.  

Show me Your ways, so I may become  

A person more like Jesus the Son.  

Christlike, and all You’ve called me to be,  

O Lord, each day help me learn and see.  

Show me Your ways, that I may instill  

Your truth in my children, teaching Your will.  

Why do I ask? So I may know You,  

And lack nothing, as Your Word proves true.  

So I may walk with You, understanding Your ways,  

Living in wisdom through all of my days.  

So I may discern what You would do  

In moments unknown, and speak what is true.  

Not leaning on self, but trusting instead  

That Your ways will guide me where I’m led.  

Show me Your ways each day and night—  

While working, while sleeping—teach me what’s right.  

While driving, while walking throughout the day,  

Help me to hear Your voice and obey.  

Show me Your ways, that I may know You,  

And discern the hearts that are not true.  

Show me Yourself, Lord—Your ways so pure.  

O Father, make them clear and sure.  

And thank You, Lord, for hearing me tonight,  

For loving and guiding me into Your light.  

For showing me thus far, and continuing to lead  

Down paths yet unknown, meeting each need.  

© 1996 Sandra C. Johnson

This poem was adapted into a song and can be viewed on my YouTube channel here:

https://youtu.be/q_joKFoiASA?si=F4LY4i5VTtmze2yQ

The Greatest of All Gifts

Today I share something I wrote back in 1991 and 1997. In 1984, I had known a friend who was a Pentecostal. She tried to pray over me to give me the gift of tongues. I became scared and ran away. This was when I was a freshman in college.

I realized soon after that God had a different calling on my life, but in 1997 he made it clear to me what that calling was. The next two poems are about God's love being the greatest of all gifts. 

The Greatest Gift

She spoke in tongues, was filled with the Spirit—so it seemed,  

Leaving me confused beyond what I’d ever dreamed.  

I wondered, Is tongues for me? Could my views be wrong?  

Then deep within, I heard, “My child, be strong.”

“Many come to you with stories of miracles and such,  

And many great things happen to those lives that I touch.  

But you need listen only to Me—  

By heeding My voice, not man’s, will you truly be free."

So I walked away from her one heartfelt night,  

Unsure of my faith, alone in my fright.

But God gave me peace, and so I journeyed on—  

He showed me that I've known Him all along. 

The greatest lesson I could ever learn:  

Is to love others and God's presence yearn.

Still, there was more for me to understand.  

God gave me joy—and pain, both carefully planned.  

Yet always, His presence remained in my life,  

Guiding me through both joy and strife.

God had shown me peace in Him alone.  

No sign was needed; my faith was known.

Time passed, as I knew it would,  

And I walked on in faith, knowing where I stood.  

When someone insisted I must have these gifts,  

I simply smiled because God’s truth gave me a lift.

Yes, I’m still journeying, still walking with God.  

Still learning obedience on this path I trod.  

I’ve never known wonders noble or grand—  

No tongues, no healing by my hand.

Even as I sat with the sick in a hospital bed,  

Healing never came, but the time was spirit-led. 

I knew in my heart, this gift I’d attained  

Was the one most precious, though hard to explain.

It’s not a gift I can show to man—  

It’s etched in love by God’s own hand.  

Though I speak not in tongues or heal,

God's gift of love is the most excellent still.

© 1997 Sandra C. Johnson

1 CORINTHIANS 13

If I profess to have tongues, what does it profit me

Without love, I am a resounding symbol with no melody. 

I can claim to know all knowledge and prophecy; 

And have a faith that can hurl mountains into the sea. 

But without love, it's useless and means nothing in the world. 

I can give endlessly, and into the flames my body can be hurled. 

You see, I can surrender my whole life for man; 

But without love, I gain nothing, no matter how much I understand. 

But what is love? How are we called to live? 

It needs to be our foundation when we serve and give. 

Love is patient, with those who cannot see; 

Trusting God to allow the seeds to grow, planted in humility. 

Love is kind, in kindness to our neighbor; 

We reach out and show them God's loving favor. 

Love does not envy what others seems to do; 

Even though maybe those good things are not in me and you. 

And love does not boast of all we seem to know; 

Nor loudly announce the ways we grow. 

Love is not proud-- too proud to acknowledge sin. 

True love, walks humbly before God and men. 

Love is not rude, nor quick to wound with speech.

It thinks of others, and in love will gently teach. 

Love is not self seeking, chasing it's own cause; 

It puts others first while honoring God's laws. 

Love is not easily offended by another. 

Keeping no record of wrongs, it  forgives a brother. 

Yet if someone is in sin, love must stop and say; 

Your not in the right, your going the wrong way. 

And when they change, oh how love does rejoice; 

In the truth, it has no other choice. 

Love always protects, and it always trusts.

God's love is fair, unconditional and just.

It always hopes, and always perseveres; 

Loving those estranged from us in prayerful tears. 

This perfect love breaks through and conquers all; 

It lifts the weary and never lets them fall. 

This love must be the foundation of our Christian walk; 

And the sweet aroma of the way we talk. 

Still, it won't always sound gentle or nice; 

For true love must sometimes give hard advice. 

Yet it still remains unchanged, if it's the love of Christ. 

Out of love, He died for us, and was sacrificed. 

God's love is never ending, and never fails; 

It's His love that will in all things, prevail.

© 1991 Sandra C. Johnson 

1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 10-13 NASB1995

[1] If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. [3] And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. [4] Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, [5] does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, [6] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 

[10] but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. [11] When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. [12] For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. [13] But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

We Are Not the Same

 We Are Not the Same

Cities on fire, buildings demolished,  

Crimes unchecked, their acts so polished.  

It all began with George Floyd’s death—  

They made him a hero with every breath.

Church vigils spread across the land,  

Prayers lifted by a humble hand.  

But when Charlie Kirk passed away,  

No riots broke out, no cars ablaze.

We are not the same as those on the other side.  

We’re not consumed by anger, arrogance, or pride.  

We pray for our enemies, walk in humility,  

And honor the fallen without hostility.

We are not the same—we don’t demand  

The right to wreak havoc across the land.  

We don’t mock those who vote another way,  

Or ridicule the faithful when they pray.

The contrast is striking, though years have gone by.  

They claimed we staged an insurrection, a lie.  

But someday, I’m sure the truth will be clear:  

January 6 was not what they feared.

We are not the same—the line has been drawn.  

By their fruits, you’ll know them, from dusk until dawn.  

Jesus said it, and it still rings true:  

One tree bears fruit, the other—few.

We are not the same—we preach Jesus Christ,  

But never by force, nor under cover of night.  

We love through rejection, hold fast to what’s true,  

And follow the call God gives us to do.

You have a choice—two paths to tread:  

One leads to life, the other to dread.  

One is forgiving, full of love and light,  

The other is bitter, cloaked in spite.

As for me, I will follow Jesus the King.  

I will listen to His voice and joyfully sing.  

I won’t let hate rule—I’ll give it to Him,  

For that is His will for all men.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson 

This poem was adapted into a song and can be viewed on my YouTube channel here:

https://youtu.be/2qS6KGahrF4?si=NMEAH6lYz5bZiT1X

All Lives Matter to God

This has been a very somber and sad week as we mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk. And as I read social media posts criticizing us for not mourning the loss of a Democrat or somebody we don't agree with as much, I stand in shock. This is not a time to judge each other. Some of those posts that were put out there I didn't even know about. I do not think they are less significant.  Charlie Kirk was a well known figure that touched many people. Those who he touched have the right to mourn without feeling judged for it.  So in thinking of that I realized yes those Democrats that got killed matter to God. The unborn that are killed in the womb matter to God. The black person that's murdered matters to God. The white person that was slain in the subway matters to God.  They ALL matter to God.

All Lives Matter to God

When people criticize us for grieving one man,

And show us others slain by a murderer's hand,

Implying we don't care for those who've died–

Oh how wrong they are. We love all lives.

All lives matter to God– not just black or white.

Race, religion– it's all the same in His sight.

In this culture shaped by social media's sway,

It's easy to assume and misjudge what we say.

All lives matter to us who love Jesus Christ.

When one of our own dies, it cuts like a knife.

Losing someone close, tears you up inside.

That's why we grieve for this precious man who died.

It's not that we don't care for others now gone;

We've grieved their absence all along.

But let us weep in peace without accusation–

And use words of comfort not condemnation.

This isn't a time for name calling or taking a side,

But a time to unite and lay down our pride.

Whether you liked this man or disagreed with what he said,

I would hope you wouldn't have ever wished him dead.

He is gone now after fighting a good fight. 

His loss is felt– but not his alone in God's sight.

Every life, every child is precious and dear. 

God cherishes every single life and holds them near. 

So when you post pictures of others who have died,

And question why for them we haven’t cried–

It’s not that we did not care or mourn their fate,

But we did not know them--but still our grief resonates. 

All lives matter– Christian, atheist, Republican, Democrat

Jesus died for each one of them right there where they're at.

And all lives matter to us as we reach the world for Christ.

Praying many will see His love and His light. 

God desires none to perish, none to be lost. 

So we choose to love, no matter the cost. 

We endeavor to reach the world and make our enemies a friend

As God reconciles the entire earth to Him. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson 

I Won’t Apologize

I Won’t Apologize

I won’t apologize for my faith or for saying what I feel.  

I won’t apologize for believing in a God I know is real.  

I won’t apologize for my morals, my values, or where I stand—  

And I won’t apologize for grieving the death of a godly man.

I’m sickened and disgusted by the world I see today:  

The hate, the accusations, the venom they send our way.  

I won’t apologize for standing against corruption and lies.  

I stand firm in my convictions—I’ve learned to spot their disguise.

You’d think they could have paused, just briefly,  

As someone mourned the loss of a father.  

You’d think they’d show compassion  

To a grieving, widowed mother.  

But when we weep, they ask about others who’ve died—  

As if we didn’t care. That’s just another lie.

No apologies—I’m done. If offense is taken, so be it.  

I know my heart. I strive for fairness, and I mean it.  

No one should be assassinated—no matter who they are.  

Democrat or Republican, we’ve let it go too far.

When the children in Texas died, the left rushed to assign blame.  

While parents grieved in silence, drowning in their pain.  

Again came the attacks, the politics, the shame—  

Instead of simply praying for the families by name.

So I look at this world and hear the rhetoric from both sides.  

I throw my hands to heaven—only in God do I confide.  

We’ve failed the test of love, of mercy, and forgiveness.  

This tragedy exposed our hearts—and our divisiveness.

I won’t apologize for being gaslit by the world.  

For questioning my faith as their accusations unfurled.  

For honoring a godly martyr with reverence and grace—  

No, I won’t apologize for giving him his rightful place.

We fail the test of compassion when we pick and choose  

Whom to honor, whom to shame, based on their views.  

But God’s love is unconditional—He died for every man.  

Not based on politics, religion, or where we stand.

So let us never apologize for what we believe.  

Let us treat one another with dignity and reprieve.  

Let us stand firm, even when the world demands we cave—  

For we each have a choice in how our souls behave.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

An Ode to Charlie Kirk

An Ode to Charlie Kirk

He was not a politician, but struck down in his prime,  

A man who sought to shape young hearts and minds.  

Simply because of what this young man believed,  

He was shot down by what another perceived.  

We say our nation’s divided—and sadly, it’s true.  

People hurt others for a different point of view.  

But today as this man of God was shot down. 

There was not a dry eye that could be found. 

“It all has to stop” many out there will say. 

“It's time to legislate and take the guns away.”

The left will accuse the right as they always do. 

Though much of what they claim will not be true.

A man died today because of what he believed

And some will scoff, while others will deeply grieve.

He was a husband, a father, a friend—  

His life had meaning; it should not have met this end.  

He wasn’t a politician, but an activist bold,  

With wisdom beyond years and a heart of gold.  

We may never grasp why his life ceased today,  

But we find comfort knowing with him, God had His way.  

This world is upside down—he tried to make it right,  

Restoring common sense to youth lost in the night.  

And many like him will rise follow in his steps,  

For he left a legacy that few will forget.  

His name was Charlie Kirk. May he never be forgot.  

Today marked infamy—a great man was shot.  

May he rest in peace, and may his family find grace  

To gather the pieces and stand in his place.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

God's Vindication

 God's Vindication

When God says I will vindicate you. 

It doesn't mean vengeance will come true. 

Sometimes vindication means working through pain

And forgiving the others who stay the same. 

Vengeance is mine, says God on high. 

Which means He calls the shots on the how and the why.

You need not know what He is going to do

Just rest and let God vindicate you. 

When God promises vindication. 

It means He will intervene in the situation. 

But just as He works on you he is working on them.

His way will always work out in the end. 

What we forget is that God's vengeance,

Is sprinkled with grace and forgiveness. 

His plan is to restore all men,

And create a new person within. 

So when God says “I'll vindicate,” remember: 

His ways are best, His love the center.

His vindication works both ways. 

And He is worthy of thanks and given all praise. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:17-21

Unless I See the Scars

Unless I See the Scars

I need to see the holes where the nails were. 

Before I believe–I need evidence to be sure. 

To feel, to touch, to know it’s true,  

I fear being deceived, as many do.  

 

“Blessed are you,” said Jesus long ago,  

“To those who believe, though don't always know.

Faith is the evidence of things unseen,  

Trusting the promise and all it will mean.  

Do you need to see the scars before committing?  

Do you need trust in the proof you’re admitting?  

Today’s culture cries, “Follow the facts!”  

“Follow the science!”—but faith often acts  

In contrast to what the world demands:  

Degrees and data, not nail-pierced hands.  

Yet God understands the heart that needs to know—  

Jesus showed His wounds so Thomas wouldn’t let go.  

He does that to those of us who need to know too. 

Because He loves us and will leads us to what is true. 

But blessed are you who have never seen

And still believe in Christ the King.

“I need to see the scars,” many say today,  

As they search for God, and hope, and pray.  

Afraid to believe, taught to doubt,  

They need more before they can work it out.

If you need to see his scars, dear friend, it’s okay.

If that is what it takes, for you I will pray. 

Just as Jesus met Thomas with grace back then,  

I pray He’ll show you what you need—Amen.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!" 

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:24-29

 

 

 

They Know Not What They Do

They Know Not What They Do

A long time ago, in a place far away,

As Jesus hung on the cross He did say:

“Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.”

And still today, walk a path that's not true.

I stand and gaze at the world's vast population,

Listening to the news and man's declarations.

I realize nothing is new under the sun–

We repeat, age by age, what's already been done.

The right accuses the left, the left accuses the right,

Each side convinced they dwell in the light.

They invoke God’s name to defend their morality,  

Yet truth isn’t found in political polarity.

I look at the world and wonder: do they know, God, what they do?  

Do they grasp how far they’ve drifted from You?  

So I pray, as Jesus did long ago on the cross:  

“Forgive them, Lord—they are truly lost.”

I don’t say this to excuse mankind,  

For not all are blind—some choose to be unkind.  

Yet who am I to judge what others believe or say?  

All I can do is kneel and pray.

“Open their eyes, Lord, so they may see  

That only in You can they truly be free.  

Forgive them, for they know not what they do—  

Illuminate their vision so they may follow You.”

We live in a world where hatred reigns,  

Where passion and pride leave spiritual stains.  

But I believe change is near—not by my hand,  

But by Your Spirit moving across this land.

They know not what they do, indoctrinated by lies,  

Which is why so many on the right are despised.  

We know not what we do when we fail to seek truth,  

When we follow like sheep, uncaring and uncouth.

Yes, they know not what they do—so I’ll continue to pray,  

Entrusting their souls to God each day.  

I’ll reserve judgment, for only He can decide  

Who walks in blindness, and who in pride

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

Unexpected

God moves in ways we don’t expect—  

What He ordains, the world rejects.  

We sketch our plans, but He smiles instead,  

And shifts the path where we thought we’d tread.  

He moves in ways both bold and unseen,  

His hand at work in all routine.  

His thoughts are higher, His wisdom deep,  

He reigns above—our souls He keeps.  

God’s ways are unexpected—by design,  

Set in motion before our time.  

We lean on strength that cannot last,  

Yet find His sovereignty steadfast.  

So when life shakes and feels unsure,  

And you wonder if He’s still near—  

Fret not, His ways are not like ours,  

They stretch beyond the stars.  

His ways are not our ways—hold fast.  

He moves through seasons as they pass.  

He knows the end from what we see,  

Which is why He moves so unexpectedly.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

9 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9