This is the story of beauty coming out of ashes, how something extraordinary can emerge out of the most intense suffering. Young Francis Thompson, unable to fulfill the aspirations of his father, who dreamed his son would become a doctor, dropped out of Oxford College in late 19th century England and began writing. But his efforts brought menial remuneration and gradually Francis found himself living on the streets of London, a vagrant, sleeping next to the River Thames at night, eventually becoming addicted to opium. The drug left him a shell of a man, almost a complete derelict from the heavy use.
Befriended by a young couple who loved his writing and took him in, Francis was miraculously rescued from starvation and destruction. Eventually Francis wrote the beautiful poem “The Hound of Heaven”, called by English author Garvin, “the most wonderful lyric in the English language.” J.R. Tolkien said , “it is one of the most profound expressions of mature spiritual experience.” Lines from the poem have appeared in numerous films, plays, and songs. The message of the poem is God’s grace, that He does not forsake even the most wayward of souls.
The Original Version to Read: http://www.bartleby.com/236/239.html
A Modern Adaptation (11 minutes long but well worth watching; double-click link): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RXlgz4aBKt8
Prayer Focus This Week
- John Burns, recovery from surgery
- Rickie Anderson, very ill and failing has recently become suddenly better; pray for complete healing
- Anonymous request: “My goal for 2016 – quit smoking for good.”
- Michael McFadden – his shattered but repaired leg to heal properly following surgery
- Serious alcohol issues affecting a couple of lives
- Bill Devlin’s sister Linda whose husband recently died
- Grace and love in every marriage
Below: Sitting in for Frank Cotinola, with Kirsten, Chris and Ryan during Special Music recently – Mr. Gabe Tacklind, whom Frank has mentored
May we all be patient with those who are difficult for us….Jay