Category: birds of a different color

Love Not Hate: Love on Trial

On By roberthansen1317In America, asking God questions, Be The Change, birds of a different color, Christian life, God, God heals, God is there, love2 Comments

Image result for different types of birds together

As with humans, the birds keep repeating history instead of learning from it. Catch up on their history with the links below.

I posted this one a year ago, hope it reminds you where God is in all of this and we need to continue to love.

Love, Not Hate: Part 1

Love, Not Hate: Part Two

Love, Not Hate: Christmas Eve

Love, Not Hate: A New Chapter

Love, Not Hate: A New World

Love, Not Hate: The Division

Love, Not Hate: The Reconciliation

Love, Not Hate: Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

Love, Not Hate: Continue To Love

Love Not Hate- Trick or Treat, Halloween Night

Love Not Hate- The Virus

Where's God in All of This?" is a... - Willow Creek Community Church | Facebook

Some of the birds were in pain

Some of the birds cried in the rain

Another shooting, another tragedy

An opioid epidemic to escape reality

Nothing in their world was making sense

Every bird suspicious and on defense

One question asked by the birds of prey and the birds of love

Where is the eagle? Why has he abandoned us?

All of you were born with a heart to love

The cardinal, blue jay, vulture, warbler, the dove

But love has gone away over the last few years

While anxiety has increased, and with that fears

What can we do? The birds ask as depression looms large

Darkness has overcome the land as it seems no one is in charge

Then out of nowhere the eagle lands

Only to be taken into the trial to take his stand

“Where have you been?” the birds proclaim

“On vacation or don’t care,” his reputation they try to defame

They all throw words of hate at him, both birds large and small

The birds all say you said you would love and stay and defend us all

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Then the eagle looks at the birds scattered around, clears his throat and boldly speaks

“Your schools, your courts, your homes and some of your churches, you asked me to leave

I say love all and teach acceptance

But you preach intolerance

While the poor become poorer and the rich become more prosperous

Have I ever said not to help the least of us?

I ask you to lend a hand, to help each other out

But you scream hate and racist remarks you shout

I ask you to pick a brother up when he is down

But you use your beaks and claws to stomp him in the ground

I ask you to protect each other with your lives

But you kill each other with words as sharp as knives

I ask you not to store possessions but to give to those in need

But instead of sharing most of you would rather bleed

I give each of you a light inside yourselves to change all of our kind

But each of you denies that light, instead, acting as if you are blind

You ask where have I been? I say I have never left

I will even go so far as to say you have never been more blessed

Image result for walk through the valley of death

But what have you done with all these blessings

That’s a good question, many of you will be left guessing

But some of you will recognize the truth

I have given it all to the elders to teach all the youth

Parkland, Las Vegas, El Paso, Dayton. When will it stop?

I tell you when you love and all this hate you drop

You place me here on trial

But you, my friends, are in denial

I was there when the bullets took your loved ones away

I was there when you cried those tears of pain

I was there when the questions came

I was there when it was I who you blamed

I was there even though you have asked me to leave

I was there in your moments of joy and your moments of grief

Image result for hope quotes during tragedy

I was there in the deaths of the battlefields

I was there, protecting you with my shield

I was there when it didn’t rain in your barren lands

I was there when food was bountiful in your hands

I was there in every misfortune and every blessing

I was there when your tongues cursed me and when they were professing

I was there in those moments you felt uninspired

Yes, I was there when those shots were fired

Now I have answered your question on where was I

And I have said that hate is the answer to the question why

But I leave you with this when you wonder if I am here at all

Where is the love? Where are you all birds big and small?

Where is the compassion, empathy, and kindness? Listen to what I say

Fight for love, do not let the land be taken over by all this hate!”

Image result for matthew 5:44

Image result for love on trial

Why God by Austin French-

Where Is God by Michael Farren –

Questions by Tori Kelley-

Parkland by Duff McKagan-

Common by Maren Morris-

What If by India Arie –

Change by Mavis Staples-

1000 Promises by Building 429 –

Love Not Hate- The Virus

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, love, poems, Poetry3 Comments

Image result for biirds of a different color

History of the birds:

Love, Not Hate: Part 1

Love, Not Hate: Part Two

Love, Not Hate: Christmas Eve

Love, Not Hate: A New Chapter

Love, Not Hate: A New World

Love, Not Hate: The Division

Love, Not Hate: The Reconciliation

Love, Not Hate: Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

Love, Not Hate: Continue To Love

Love Not Hate: Love On Trial

Love Not Hate- Trick or Treat, Halloween Night

Image result for sad eagle

The eagle could not believe what he was hearing

Almost all the birds chirping, the birds fearing

At first, he thought he had to be dreaming

The eagle could not believe what he was seeing

The birds were taking every seed, every fruit

When they gathered all, they started digging at the roots

He flew down to the biggest oak

He thought for a minute and then he spoke

“Do you not understand what you do?

By hoarding all this food

Half of it will rot in your nest

While the ones in need starve to death

Instead of taking only what you need

You’ve taken every single seed

Image result for birds taking all the food

I made the land to replenish itself

But in your greed, looking out for yourself

In all your worrying

You’ve taken everything,

Trust me, the food will start to grow again

But birds, I implore you, until then

Stay calm and keep a level head

Share your food until every bird is fed

In times like this, we must come together

Because these times do not last forever

We’ve been here many times before

It’s time for us to spread our wings and soar

Image result for hebrews 13 16

We must no longer digress

We need to give more and take less

Many of you are looking out helplessly

We need to give love, compassion, empathy

You younger birds who are on hiatus from school

There’s so much more you can do

Don’t waste these weeks away

Improve yourself each and every day

You can help heal this land

Start by lending a helping hand

Take this time to reconnect with your family

Take this time to learn to love more deeply

And for you vultures, listen to my warning, take heed

For those that hoarded more than you need

Hoping to price gouge when you resell

There’s  a special place for you in hell

We must bond together in these trying times

It is now when you will see heroes rise

Their names you may never know

But their stories will forever be told

Now all you birds, fly home and be patient

Let us come together as one nation

Let us all be benevolent

Let our love be prevalent”

Image result for eagle love nation

Keep Your Head Child by JNR Williams –

I See Heroes by Vision Vision –

Better Than Today by Rhys Lewis –

I Don’t Have To Know by Cana’s Voice –

Every One Of Us by Rick Astley –

The Hope Song by Citizen Way –

Continue To Love

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, love, poems, Poetry2 Comments

Catch up on the love and not hate series

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

Birds Of A Different Color- A New World

Birds Of A Different Color- The Division

Birds Of A Different Color – The Reconciliation

Birds Of A Different Color- Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

Image result for eagle with tears

Image result for westerville funeral procession for police

The birds gathered in mourning again

Another school shooting, when will it end?

Another police officer killed in the line of fire

The evil tragedies were making the birds feel dire

The hawk looked at the eagle and asked, “what can we do, what can we say?”

“Why do they always seem to choose hate?”

“Why do they choose to live like this?”

“Sometimes, this life seems to be pointless”

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The eagle answered as he shed another tear

“We can not give up, we can not live in fear.”

“We must continue to have faith.”

“In all this mess, God will lead the way.”

“We must teach them it all starts at home.”

“We must tell them we are never alone.”

“We must give this country back to God!”

“How we live now is deeply flawed.”

Image result for be the light quotes

“We teach not to pray in school,

that it’s all about me and forget the golden rule.”

“Young birds  don’t learn how to fail,

so when they do, they don’t cope well.”

“Their entire lives are out for the world to see,

everything has to be perfect and they can never be in need.”

“They post pictures and Snapchat with smiles,

not letting anyone see they are going through trials.”

Image result for trials show perseverance

“Holding it all inside until one day they snap,

do something that they can never take back.”

“It’s a tough world in which they live,

it is up to us to teach them they have so much to give.”

“Be honest and show some vulnerability,

Asking for help doesn’t mean you have a disability.”

“Hawk, we must stand strong,

show this world where they have gone wrong.”

Image result for be the light quotes

“We must give life and not take,

wake from their slumber, they must wake!”

“We must lend a helping hand,

we must heal this land!”

“They must know they are truly loved,

they must know about God above.”

“We will stand united in the face of adversity!”

“We must live our lives purposely,

showing love to all who enter our nests,

by going out in the world and telling the rest

about the good news of the one who died,

the one who loves, we must put away our pride!”

“We must remember when the winds are strong,

that even the strongest winds don’t last that long.”

“When the wind blows out the light,

we have to be persistent to reignite.”

Image result for be the light quotes

“We can never give up!”

“We must stop the hate and continue to love.”

“We can never, ever give up the fight!”

“Let our light light up the darkest night!”

Then the hawk, who was still new to the faith

Asked the eagle,  “how do we get others to see things our way?”

“We lead by example,” said the eagle, “let our actions be clear.”

“No matter the hate, no matter the terror, we will not fear!”

“We will pursue the enemy, even when they hide,

we will win because God himself will fight by our side.”

The hawk and eagle then flew over the land

Many other birds joined them, taking their stand

Their numbers grew as they flew from shore to shore

They helped birds, other animals, humans, and more

They talked their words but backed them up

These birds were showing the world how to love

Will you join the movement and show others how to live?

Let your actions show by the way you give

Never ever be dismayed and never ever give up

Help us make hate extinct as we always show love

Image result for eagle with tears school shooting

Image result for QUOTES about love instead of hate

Weep With Me by Rend Collective – 

Not Even Now by Alisa Turner – 

Bleed The Same by Mandisa – 

Help Us by Tasha Page Lockhart – 

Give Love by Andy Grammar – 

Divided States of America by The Script –  

Prayer For Peace by North Mississippi All-Stars –  

Moving Forward by G.I. – 

Faith Hope Love Repeat by Brandon Heath –  

Come, In Our Dark Time by David Haas – 

I’ll Keep On Praying by Karen Peck – 

Birds Of A Different Color : The Sequel

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, love, poems, Poetry4 Comments

Image result for dove

Please take a minute to read part 1 : Birds Of A Different Color

The birds of the land lived in peace for quite a long time

They shared everything, what’s mine is yours and yours is mine

They sung songs together and visited each other’s nest

Peace, nothing to worry about when their feathers would lay down to rest

Then one day the unthinkable happened

The skies of blue suddenly blackened

During a training flight, a blue jay crashed into a warbler

I can’t put into words, it was indeed horrible

Image result for blue jayImage result for black and white warbler and blue jay together

The warbler fell to the ground, it had been killed

Mourning came to the land, his little heart had been stilled

It didn’t take long for the warblers to blame the blue jays

Even though the birds that witnessed it said the warbler flew the wrong way

They demanded justice, the words were harsh that they spoke

They didn’t consider that the blue jay’s heart was broke

He was terribly sad for what happened but said he wasn’t to blame

The warblers attacked his nest, the land would never be the same

Attack after attack, nest after nest

None of the birds could find rest

A dark cloud had overtaken the trees

No bird was safe, no bird was free

The eagle couldn’t believe what his eyes did see

He thought, Have they forgotten our history?

Nothing good will come from this

He bowed his head and prayed his wish

O mighty father above, help me find a way

To help these birds remember our yesterday 

When we nearly destroyed our homes, our land

We fought over the colors of our feathers right where they now stand

How eventually we put aside our differences and came together 

We joined as one as we each held those different colored feathers 

He opened his eyes and looked around

Hate wasn’t the answer, love had to be found

Image result for eagle talking to birds

He once again called a meeting

He searched hard for the words he would be speaking

He looked left, he looked right

He said “My fellow birds, why do we fight?”

“I’m not saying what happened was right or wrong

But don’t you remember when we all sang the same song?”

“Warblers, I know your hearts are bleeding

But violence isn’t the answer to what you are needing.”

“Blue Jays, I know your heart is breaking

But fighting back leaves only hate for the taking.”

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“I ask both of you is this really the answer?

Look around, can’t you see the disaster

We’ve been here before, look at our history books

There can never be peace if we are all crooks.”

“I know what happened is a travesty

But anger and hate only lead to more tragedy!”

“I ask you birds, can we move on from the past?”

“Today is a new day, the anger and hate don’t need to last!”

“I ask you birds not to forget yesteryear

I tell you birds it’s okay to shed a tear

But let’s not let history repeat itself

It’s time we put hate and anger on the shelf!”

 

Image result for love is the only answer

 

“How easy it is to forget we are all one

I’m not asking you  to forget what is done!”

“I am asking you to join hands

Reunite all the birds in this land!”

“I’m asking you to look at your communities

Ask yourself, is this who we want to be?”

“If you have even an ounce of love in your heart

Let it ignite and become a spark!”

“We do not need to fear each other !”

“You are my sisters, you are my brothers!”

“I end with these words said not long ago

That love is all we need to know

We are all created equally

We all can live peacefully

Look into the depths of your hearts

And let today be a new start

But you must not let the evil of anger and hate

Destroy our land. It is not, it will not be our fate!”

It was then he looked up and saw a  dove

The symbol of peace, the message of love

Image result for love is the only answer

Everyman by Blackfoot – 

Love With Your Life by Hollyn – 

Be The Change by Britt Nicole – 

What You Want by Tenth Avenue North – 

Jesus Built This Church On Love by Ivan Parker – 

Jesus Again by Tamela Mann – 

Future + Hope by New Hope Oahu – 

Common Ground by Julianna Zobrist – 

Birds Of A Different Color

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, love, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

 

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I thought I would reblog a couple of my birds posts. Love instead of hate.

We sit on this branch all flocked together

All of us birds of a different color

We fly from tree to tree and limb to limb

Helping whoever is in need for we are all friends

There was peace in the land, air, and trees

We were brothers and sisters, no difference between you and me

Until one day the robin said I can do better on my own

Off to another land he had flown

Then, the cardinal said, I can do that too

Off to another land he flew

One by one they each left the branch

Scattered apart throughout the distance

The only bird that stayed was the dove

Because he still believed the answer was love

One day the cardinal didn’t like the land he was in

He flew off and attacked the land of the robin

Then the yellow finch thought his land was too narrow

He went and attacked the land of the sparrow

The robin and the sparrow started a new land

Joining together, they formed a very strong clan

They attacked the yellow finch and the cardinal

The destruction of all the land was quite remarkable

Then the eagle was flying around

He couldn’t believe the destruction on the ground

He knew he had to make a stand

He had to do something to unite the land

What could he do? he thought in his head

If he didn’t do something soon, almost all the birds would be dead

He could use force, tear all the birds apart

But today , love was the only thing in his heart

He wanted to try love, to put it to the test

He flew down to them, he was much bigger than the rest

When the eagle came near

All the birds cowered in fear

But he gave them a helping hand

He helped them rebuild the land

He said “My fellow birds, is this how we want to live?”

“Instead of taking, we should learn to give.”

“Remember the time when we were never in need?”

“When one of us bled, we would all bleed?”

“Let all of this land be united as one.”

“It doesn’t matter our color, or where we came from.”

“Give love, teach love, be the love you want to see.”

“You see I have learned, the greatest change has to happen in me.”

With that said,  the birds joined together

To make this land great again, forever

I Believe by The Infamous Stringdusters feat Lee Ann Womack – 

Change by Christina Aguilera – 

Friends by Blake Shelton –  

I Will Rise Again by Jason Gray – 

Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson – 

Be The Change by Shuree – 

Imagine by John Lennon – 

Hope For The Future by Paul McCartney –  

I Believe by Blessid Union Of Souls – 

I Still Believe In Love by Blessid Union Of Souls – 

Love Will Find A Way by Michael Franti – 

We Are More by Ziggy Marley – 

Love Like Jesus by Rhett Walker Band – 

Love Come To Life by Big Daddy Weave – 

Love Can by Decemberadio – 

Love Has No Walls by Billy Ray Cyrus (cover of Matthew West) – 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, love, poems, Poetry4 Comments

 

cardinals, goldfinch, bluebird, nuthatch, chickadee:
art credit: James Hautman

from 2016

Please take a minute to catch up on the history of the birds: (just click on the links)

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

I also have written several following this one if you want to check them out

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

Birds Of A Different Color- A New World

Birds Of A Different Color- The Division

Birds Of A Different Color – The Reconciliation

Birds Of A Different Color- Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

 

It was Christmas Eve all through the land

All the birds stared in amazement at the Christmas tree so grand

The little birds could barely contain their excitement

The older birds looked on, filled with contentment

The eagle remembered how far they have come

He remembered all the work ALL the birds have done

Which made this day an even more special day

He took his place and said: “Birds, I have something to say”

 

Want to see one--not at a zoo--SOON!:
photo credit: Paula Krugerud Photography

“I’ll keep it short since tonight the little ones can’t be up late.”

“It has been a long time since we chose to love instead of hate.”

“It was a lot of work to repair our broken relationships.”

“As you all know, it hasn’t always gone to script.”

“We have learned from our mistakes, our experiences.”

“We have learned to work through our differences.”

“We have returned this land to the way it was created.”

“For that reason alone, tonight we ALL should be celebrated!”

“We are gathered here today because of the one who was born.”

“Who also died for us, tattered and torn.”

“As some of us birds are getting older,

We know we can’t carry this land on our shoulders.”

“We must teach the next generation

That love is the only way to rule this nation!”

All the birds started to sing

A beautiful sound that caused a gathering

All the animals from the forest came

The deer, the rabbit, the skunk and others you know by name

They gathered around the Christmas tree

They held hands and all sung with glee

The sound reached near and far

Then humans arrived, by foot and by car

They couldn’t believe their eyes

It was then they started to realize

Everything they thought they knew had to be ruled out

Because right there was a hawk singing with a field mouse

There was a bear beside a deer

There was a sheep standing by a wolf  with no fear

There was a fox right beside a hare

All these beautiful birds were there

They could hardly believe their ears

When the animals said: “There is nothing here to fear!”

“Yes, at one time we were all enemies!”

“We decided to let love rule our hearts until our eyes could see!”

Then the humans held each other’s hands

All the different people across the land

Blacks and whites, Muslim and Christian

All races, all people, could see the animals vision

The eagle then spoke once again:

“One last thing to say my friends.”

“To move forward you must move on from the past!”

“You have to live as last is first and first is last.”

“Let every man, every woman, every boy, every girl

Know what it’s like to have peace in this world!”

“Let ALL our voices join together as we sing Silent Night!”

Then they sang Joy To The World  and We Wish You A Merry Christmas

I can only say it’s all true, as I was there to witness

All the birds of a different color

Helped all the people discover

Instead of fighting they should ALL join hands

Because love is the only way to rule the land

Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a love filled night 

Image result for birds of a different color winter christmas tree

art credit: Peter Rabbit

Image result for bible verse on christmas

Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson – 

My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant – 

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band – 

Join With The Angels by Matthew West – 

Little Drummer Boy/ Peace On Earth by Bing Crosby and David Bowie – 

Rest In You Tonight by The Oak Ridge Boys – 

Gather Round by Band Of Merrymakers – 

My Wish For Christmas by R Kelly – 

Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles – 

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon – 

The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath – 

Love Is Here by Laura Story – 

A Joyful Noise by Little River Band – 

Wish List by 7eventh Time Down – 

Love Can Build A Bridge by The Judds- 

Prayer Of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan – 

Silent Night by Pentatonix – 

Joy To The World by Jeremy Camp – 

We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Celtic Women – 

Birds Of A Different Color- Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, love, poems, Poetry5 Comments

I was sitting in church and some of these words started coming at me.  I said no God, I can’t write about this. Even though all the Birds stories are based on real-life events, I can’t write about this one. God was silent until I got home then the words started coming again faster than I could write them down. I don’t know if the right words were written down, I tried to remember them as they were coming, but I hope I can bring some healing to the tragedy.  So…..

Image result for mandalay bay in memory

The history of the Birds:

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

Birds Of A Different Color- A New World

Birds Of A Different Color- The Division

Birds Of A Different Color – The Reconciliation

Image result for eagle crying

The vulture thought for a time

Then he thought this must be a sign

The hawk has abandoned me and our plans

I must now bring havoc to the land

He waited and waited for the day

He flew to the top of the Mandalay Bay

He let his hate fly through the air

Who they hit, he didn’t care

In the lives he took he didn’t realize

That heroes were there to save lives

That love was still there even in the hate

For some, healing would be a long wait

The eagle and hawk stood together

These birds of different colored feathers

The eagle spoke first:

“Our land seems to be cursed,

From one tragedy to another tragedy

From one community to another community.”

“When times like these feel like the worst,

I implore us, everyone, all of us birds,

When it is so hard to see past our grief

When it is so hard….so hard to see,”

His voice cracked as he spoke

“We must never, never give up hope!”

“This tragedy truly breaks my heart,

But I know a light will shine from the dark.”

Image result for ephesians 6 12

“Let us remember the ones that have been lost,

A senseless tragedy that has a great cost.”

“But let us learn from this tragedy,

There is a power inside you and me.”

“We must continue to let our light shine

For love has been here since the start of time,”

“Love was here then and love is here now!”

“I will, we will show love and that’s our vow.”

“We will not hide, we will not be afraid!”

We will not sit quietly, tomorrow is a new day”

Image result for love in a tragedy

 

Then the hawk let out a deep sigh

A tear escaped his eye

“Dear hate, you held me captive for many years

And I let you because I had so many fears.”

“I feared that I was not worthy of love.”

“I believed in this world and not God above.”

“I was public enemy number one,

And I can’t change all the bad I have done.”

“But I changed my thinking and I changed my heart,

And that’s when I escaped the dark.”

“Hate, you will not win!”

“We have a greater love within.”

“Birds, we must continue to make a better tomorrow.”

“We cannot be overcome by our sorrow.”

“We will overcome, good will come from this tragedy.”

“Change starts with love, change starts with you and me!”

Image result for bible verses on fighting evil

Then the hawk and eagle joined wings

Friends had been made out of enemies

We cannot undo what has been done

We must let love rule, we will overcome

We will not let racism and hate destroy our land

We will show compassion, be virtuous and let love be our stand

From the streets to the steeples

We will love God, we will love people

Image result for eagle crying

Image result for mandalay bay in memory

 

Dear Hate by Maren Morris – 

Why Not Me by Eric Church – 

Love Will Always Win by Travis Greene – 

Hope Is Marching On by Matt Redman – 

You Should Be Here by Cole Swindell-  

Drink A Beer by Luke Bryan – 

Find You There by Ellie Holcomb – 

Overcome by Jeremy Camp – 

Pray For The World be Deon Kipping- 

Healing by Blessid Union of Souls – 

Dear X, You Don’t Own Me by Disciple-  

Might To Save by many but I chose Laura Story –  

Birds Of A Different Color- A New World

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, poems, Poetry7 Comments

Related image

Lots of music at the end but there are so many songs, from all genres,  dealing with these issues.

Catch up on the history of the birds:

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

 

Even though the dove ruled with compassion and love

Many birds had decided they had had enough

They wanted a leader like the Eagle had been

Their patience had started to wear thin

As they secretly plotted against his rule

There was a riot at one of the schools

A female red-throated hummingbird said she didn’t like males

Her parents didn’t understand and wanted more details

“What’s there to say? I am in love with another female hummingbird”

Her parents kicked her out of the nest without saying a word

Then an Ivory Gull said he was in love with a Black Rail

“You can not love one not of your kind,”  their parents started to yell

Image result for ivory gullImage result for black rail

They were told they had to leave their land

They were in love and could not understand

The hawk, vulture, condor, falcon and osprey came together

“We are the biggest birds and surely we are the  most clever.”

“This is our chance to take a stand,

To make our presence known in the land.”

They quickly spoke up and said; “We can all agree

That these birds style of living isn’t for you or for me.”

Image result for vulture

The mockingbird and turkeys shook their heads yes

Did they ever have their own thoughts? It was anyone’s guess

They continued, “We shall banish them, but why stop there?”

“If you aren’t from our country, but from lands elsewhere,

Then you should be banned and sent from where you came.”

“All the problems in our land, well, you are all to blame!”

“Syrian Serin, Algerian Desert Lark,  Arabian Partridge, African Sacred Ibis

Afghan Babbler, Yemen Thrush, Palestine Sunbird, any we have missed?”

“Oh yes, Somali Starling, West Mexican Chachalaca, Banded Quail

Red-shouldered Hawk, Plumbeous Kite and Aztec Rail.”

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“We no longer will welcome you with open arms.”

“We don’t care if less than 1% of you wish to harm.”

“We will no longer take a chance if  you are from the Middle East,

From Mexico, if you are LGBT, your numbers must be decreased”

“We should build a cage around our entire land!”

Many of the birds thought that was a great plan

But other birds were smart enough to know if it will keep birds out

Then the cage can keep birds in, and of that, they had no doubt

The dove stood tall amidst the growing controversy

“Don’t you see, these birds are the same as you and me.”

“We all have come from different lands to make this land our home.”

“We should accept all birds, not give in to this hate syndrome”

“Where is the good when we choose these birds to be expelled?”

“We have been taught to love all birds, not just ones like yourself”

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“The Eagle taught us when he gave us these words:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all birds

Remind them to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one

To be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle to everyone.”

“I implore all birds to take a stand, to do what is just and right,

To end all this bickering and all these fights.”

“Instead, reach out a helping hand,  open your wings wide.”

“We can change this land if we show all birds the love we have inside.”

“We can no longer be the silent majority!

“The words I speak come from the highest authority!”

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“Our God, Jesus our Savior, commands us to love!”

The birds started whispering about the dove

One by one they stood up and said: “We agree!”

“This land was made for you and made for me.”

“We can live in love and make this country grand.”

“To the Republic and for what it stands

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!”

They all agreed it was time to stand together before they all would fall

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Bleed The Same by Mandisa- 

Heal Our Land by Kari Jobe- 

All Around The World by Taj Mahal and Keb Mo – 

I Hate Hate by About A Mile – 

The Gospel by Ryan Stevenson –  

Lousy Sum Of Nothing by Erasure- 

Remembered For by Colony House – 

How Many Walls by Rise Against- 

Reptiles (We Woke Up) by Flogging Molly – 

Say It All by Matty Mullins – 

World We Used To Know by Scorpions- 

Silent Majority by Nickelback- 

If We Keep Doing Nothing by Kris Allen- 

Pressure Under Fire by Gov’t Mule- 

Dear Black Son by Brother Ali- 

Pray For The World by Deon Kipping- 

All Join Hands by Acoustic Ghost- 

The Greater Good by Styx- 

Sons and Daughters by Brett Stanfill- 

Who Taught You How To Hate by Disturbed- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, poems, Poetry6 Comments

Image result for birds different colors

It has been a year since my first Birds post.  Six months since the third one. This one I actually meant to release after the elections but…

I have another one ready to go that will be published next week. I hope you enjoy them.

Be sure to catch up on the history of the birds:

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

 

It would soon be a sad, sad day throughout the land

When the eagle would soon fly to Heaven to be in God’s hands

All the birds talked about the progress they had made

When they all decided to love instead of hate

They all knew a new leader needed to lead

But some birds didn’t think there was a need

Why can’t we just govern ourselves

While others thought that would not go well

It wasn’t long before the roads the eagle paved turned to gravel

All the progress the birds had made started to unravel

The Hawk stepped in and said he had something to say

“I should be the leader because I am a bird of prey!”

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The Vulture laughed out loud and said he should be the one

A younger Eagle said he had the right since he was the son

The Hummingbird said it should be him since he was small and fast

The Falcon and the Osprey both said no as they laughed

“How can a small bird be a leader?”

“Wake up little bird, you are just a dreamer”

It was then the wise old Owl spoke up

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“All of you are making me sick, ENOUGH!!”

“Listen to how we speak!”

“If only the Eagle wasn’t so weak”

“It is as if all we have learned has been erased”

“Appreciation and respect for others is being replaced

With words of hurt and words of hate”

“I see a new leader as all of you debate”

“The only one who hasn’t said any words

Should be the new leader of the birds”

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All the birds looked around wondering who it could be

They all gasped when they saw the Eagle crying quietly

“This was just a test of the last resort”

“For my time here is indeed short”

“Have you all forgotten how it was before?”

“When we all killed in a useless war.”

“We can all coexist in love.”

“That is why I will appoint the dove.”

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“There is no other way we can live,

As we have been doing, we must continue to give.”

“We must continue to encourage!”

“Let kind words continue to flourish.”

“Help all those hurt and  in need.”

“Don’t let in selfishness and greed”

“These might be the last words I say.”

“Love, my friends, love instead of hate!!”

“I pray you will always do what is just, what is right.”

Then the Eagle spread his wings and took his last flight

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Better Than I Found It by Danny Gokey – 

Here We Stand by Chosen House Choir- 

Brother What Happened by Muddy Magnolias- 

How Did You Love by Shinedown- 

As Long As There’s Love by Alabama- 

Enough Love To Go Around by Doug Anderson- 

Troubled Times by Green Day- 

4-15-13 by Dropkick Murphys- 

One More Light by Linkin Park – 

Unstoppable by Matty Mullins feat Jordan Feliz – 

Change For The World by Charles Bradley- 

Choose To Love by Francesca Battistelli – 

One Way To Live by Clint Black- 

Unite by 1Girl Nation- 

Heal Our Land by Troy Sneed- 

O God Forgive Us by For King & Country – 

What Do I Know by Ed Sheeran – 

Get Together by The Youngbloods – 

 

 

 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, Christmas, Christmas music, love, Merry Christmas, poems, Poetry25 Comments

 

cardinals, goldfinch, bluebird, nuthatch, chickadee:
art credit: James Hautman

Please take a minute to catch up on the history of the birds: (just click on the links)

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

 

It was Christmas Eve all through the land

All the birds stared in amazement at the Christmas tree so grand

The little birds could barely contain their excitement

The older birds looked on, filled with contentment

The eagle remembered how far they have come

He remembered all the work ALL the birds have done

Which made this day an even more special day

He took his place and said: “Birds, I have something to say”

 

Want to see one--not at a zoo--SOON!:
photo credit: Paula Krugerud Photography

“I’ll keep it short since tonight the little ones can’t be up late.”

“It has been a long time since we chose to love instead of hate.”

“It was a lot of work to repair our broken relationships.”

“As you all know, it hasn’t always gone to script.”

“We have learned from our mistakes, our experiences.”

“We have learned to work through our differences.”

“We have returned this land to the way it was created.”

“For that reason alone, tonight we ALL should be celebrated!”

“We are gathered here today because of the one who was born.”

“Who also died for us, tattered and torn.”

“As some of us birds are getting older,

We know we can’t carry this land on our shoulders.”

“We must teach the next generation

That love is the only way to rule this nation!”

All the birds started to sing

A beautiful sound that caused a gathering

All the animals from the forest came

The deer, the rabbit, the skunk and others you know by name

They gathered around the Christmas tree

They held hands and all sung with glee

The sound reached near and far

Then humans arrived, by foot and by car

They couldn’t believe their eyes

It was then they started to realize

Everything they thought they knew had to be ruled out

Because right there was a hawk singing with a field mouse

There was a bear beside a deer

There was a sheep standing by a wolf  with no fear

There was a fox right beside a hare

All these beautiful birds were there

They could hardly believe their ears

When the animals said: “There is nothing here to fear!”

“Yes, at one time we were all enemies!”

“We decided to let love rule our hearts until our eyes could see!”

Then the humans held each other’s hands

All the different people across the land

Blacks and whites, Muslim and Christian

All races, all people, could see the animals vision

The eagle then spoke once again:

“One last thing to say my friends.”

“To move forward you must move on from the past!”

“You have to live as last is first and first is last.”

“Let every man, every woman, every boy, every girl

Know what it’s like to have peace in this world!”

“Let ALL our voices join together as we sing Silent Night!”

Then they sang Joy To The World  and We Wish You A Merry Christmas

I can only say it’s all true, as I was there to witness

All the birds of a different color

Helped all the people discover

Instead of fighting they should ALL join hands

Because love is the only way to rule the land

Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a love filled night 

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art credit: Peter Rabbit

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Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson – 

My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant – 

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band – 

Join With The Angels by Matthew West – 

Little Drummer Boy/ Peace On Earth by Bing Crosby and David Bowie – 

Rest In You Tonight by The Oak Ridge Boys – 

Gather Round by Band Of Merrymakers – 

My Wish For Christmas by R Kelly – 

Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles – 

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon – 

The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath – 

Love Is Here by Laura Story – 

A Joyful Noise by Little River Band – 

Wish List by 7eventh Time Down – 

Love Can Build A Bridge by The Judds- 

Prayer Of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan – 

Silent Night by Pentatonix – 

Joy To The World by Jeremy Camp – 

We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Celtic Women –