What they don't tell you about being married for more than three years: You do still find out new things about each other.
For example, I never knew my husband could write poetry - until he went and did just that.
I am particularly struck by how vividly he portrayed Jesus' crucifixion through the use of numbers. And while said numbers demonstrate a record of the pain and suffering Jesus bore on our behalf, it's also a subtle dig at our desire to list out and remember the wrongs someone has committed against us.
Other number-related details he weaved into the poem: the "X" in the title is the Roman numeral for the number 10 and can also symbolise the cross, while the phrase "count to 10", which is frequently used as a way to diffuse anger, is also referenced.
If you have been hurt or betrayed by someone close to you, or if you're in the midst of an emotional turmoil no one else knows about - may these words be like healing balm unto your wounds, and may they remind you that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
xx,
iz
X: Counting Colored Crimson
by Victor Chua
Shalom dear friend this greeting I bring
Amidst your hurt your suffering
I prayed a while, burdens too thick
Thoughts then turned to His arithmetic
When livid one should count to ten
Might seething soul be stilled by then
Better yet one should in red number
In memory of our Lord's chosen color
One - the kiss a betrayer used
Two - pieces of wood together fused
Three - disavowals till rooster screeched
Four - who judged the Judge but over-reached
Five - iron points His firm flesh tore
Six - painful hours for us He bore
Seven - things He said while still fixed there
Eight - days Tom doubted till finger found air
Nine - the hour he breathed his last
Ten - friends fled who should've stood fast
Transgressions far too many to count
In red reduced by entire amount
Forgive them Father they don't understand
To love was always His greatest command
I know the world counts in black and white
Dear friend I pray, come see the light
If you must please go ahead
Count them all, but count in red
Bible verses to live by
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ”
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.”
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””
a singaporean-canadian couple on serving God faithfully