by Mark Weinrich

Seeing their faith, Jesus said,
“Take courage, son; your sins
are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2

While his body was broken
he felt his soul was beyond
restoration. He had no power
to refuse his friends who wanted
him to encounter Jesus.

Yet they wouldn’t give up
even when the house and yard
were jammed with people.
He couldn’t believe
their determination
when they dug a hole
and lowered him into
Jesus’ presence.

When he heard the waterfall
of mercy, “your sins are forgiven,”
he knew he could not ignore
the Lord’s command
to rise and walk.

As they danced down the road,
such gratitude overflowed
when He thought of Jesus
and his faithful friends.
When he despised his life
and scoffed in unbelief,
they didn’t give up.
Praise God, they held
the ropes.

Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 139 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.