Peace, Be Still

My grandfather, Caudle Adkins, Sr, was born 112 years ago this month. He died in August, 1959 a couple of months before my 9th birthday. He came to live with us after my grandmother died in 1955 and stayed with us a year or so. Being retired, he had time to spend with me and my little brother. That was a very special time for me. I remember him well, along with many of the lessons he taught me by his words and deeds.

Back in 1983 I wrote a little poem about one of those experiences. Hope you like it.

Peace, Be Still

There was something in a thunderstorm
That made me calm inside,
While all the other children
Would run indoors to hide.

I'd huddle up with Papaw
On his front porch in a swing;
He'd fill his pipe with "Half and Half"
And puff a smoky ring.

It seemed that as we'd squint our eyes
Against the flying spray;
The wind that whipped the tree tops
Blew our troubles far away.

"A storm's not bad", my Papaw said
With knowing smile and nod.
"It's just one way Almighty
Let's us know that He's still God".

Then he'd tell again the story
Of how Jesus calmed the sea;
And the thunder, as though with a voice,
Said, "Peace, be still" to me.

I am thankful for a Christian heritage that helped lead me to Jesus. And I am thankful for Jesus who gives peace. Not the kind of peace the world offers, but the true and lasting peace that comes from knowing that you are secure in Him. It is a peace that has carried me through some very difficult "storms" in my life.

"...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 7)