More from "Amma"

I love this poem by "Amma" (Amy Carmichael). I have to call her Amma because she is that dear to me, though I've never met her...though she died before I was born.
I woke up at 4am this morning and had some time to read a bit in A Chance to Die...I wish I'd brought my journal here so I could share the bit that got me choked up this morning. But, this poem really sums up who she was...what she strived for...and is always a huge encouragement to me to press on no matter what things look like. Even on days like today when things look good...hopeful...when I am thankful and in humble awe before the kindness of God. I think it is always good to remind myself that those realities, those realizations are not just for me to bask in...but to fuel me to His service...to further surrender to Him!

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher

From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)

From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;

Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

--Amy Wilson Carmichael