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In The Beginning

We’re stuck in the middle, unsure of the ending
but guessing the outcome by how things are trending
should make it apparent it’s foolish to frolic
and cause us to worry and be melancholic.
When all the signs indicate evil is winning,
it’s good to remember that in the beginning,
before there was matter, before time first started
and even before day and night were first parted,
before the existence of this tiny planet
and well before anyone asked what began it.

Beyond what our limited minds are now seeing
an incomprehensibly powerful being
designed in His mind every specification
for how he would measure and lay the foundation
of all there was, all there is, and most surprising
he’s planned what comes next, so it bears emphasizing
that though there are sorrows that seem so heart-rending,
He’s still in control and we’ll like His planned ending.
Whatever your lot, recall in the beginning
He formed you and loves you despite all your sinning.
Proclaim it is well with your soul since salvation
was part of his plan at the dawn of creation.

.

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Warren Bonham is a private equity investor who lives in Southlake, Texas.

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22 Responses

  1. Mike Bryant

    OK then, Warren, I’ll proclaim it, “It is well with my soul.”
    And it is really, really well with this poem. Love it.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      I’m glad it hit home! The line you referenced is what started my thinking. Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn of that name after losing his business in the great Chicago Fire and his 4 daughters when their ocean liner sank. He saw the big picture better than most.

      Reply
  2. Norma Pain

    I too, love this poem. It gives us hope when we acknowledge that He has everything under His control and we must not worry. Thank you for this cleverly written poem Warren.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      Thank you for the comments! Although it often doesn’t seem that way, our glasses are pretty close to being completely full.

      Reply
  3. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Warren, that is a great poem beautifully written and rhymed. Wonderful poem with deep meaning to start the new year season with the knowledge of that which was preordained and that which gives us hope with a promise.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      Thank you! It’s great to know that the long-term is secure even though the day-to-day is very tumultuous.

      Reply
  4. Jeff Eardley

    Warren, this is so well composed and effortless to read. I take my hat off to a great poet and to a lovely piece for the New Year. Cheers.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      I’m glad it flowed well for you. Here’s to an effortless 2024 for you and yours.

      Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      Thanks for taking the time to read it on the first day of the new year.

      Reply
  6. Brian A. Yapko

    This is a fantastic message to share with us during these times of tribulation. Very well done indeed, Warren! It is so appreciated.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      We’re officially in an election year so I’m guessing we’ll have some tribulation heading our way. A little perspective may help us bear it better.

      Reply
  7. Jeff Kemper

    Having just thanked God for the passing of my own worst year, and in view of the cultural and political rot of 2023, your poem is a joyful reminder of the big picture that renders it all as a “momentary, light affliction.”
    Thank you, Warren!

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      As you point out, it’s unrealistic to expect no afflictions but I’ll add a prayer for lighter ones for you in 2024.

      Reply
  8. Cynthia Erlandson

    Lovely poem, Warren. May the “incomprehensibly powerful being” bless you this year!

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      Thanks and same to you! I hope 2024 is a fantastic year for you despite all of the turmoil.

      Reply
  9. Joshua C. Frank

    All the ideas in the poem are true, and you express them well. However, it ignores the question of how we deal with the fact that evil has, for the time being, won (a person would have to have some degree of ignorance about the world to deny this), and how a loving God who is in control could allow such a thing to happen. Obviously an answer exists, but I would have liked to see this addressed.

    Reply
    • Warren Bonham

      I can’t disagree with your sentiments. Evil does seem to be winning and I didn’t address that head-on. I don’t have a fantastic answer to that one other than to keep remembering that there is a larger plan that we can only vaguely glimpse. I hope some of the deeper thinkers on this site have a better answer than that.

      Reply
  10. Margaret Coats

    Warren, your poem is an excellent extended and cleverly metrical presentation of the idea that God remains supreme. I cannot emphasize enough how worthwhile it is to expand upon the reasons to think so in the beautiful way you decide to take. Many scrappers fear this kind of reflection. They fear they and others will enjoy calm you provide, and stop any necessary fighting. Not so. You are the supply officer whom combat troops need. The commanding officers lead the charge, the sentries keep us advised of current maneuvers, and we win in the end. It is well to remember that too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  11. Warren Bonham

    I like the supply officer analogy. Everyone has their unique part to play and we all need to keep fighting to help secure the ultimate victory.

    Reply
  12. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    A beautifully conceived and uplifting poem to start the year with, Warren. Thank you!

    I believe it’s our duty to call out evil when we see it, but to never lose sight of the bigger picture… it’s the bigger picture that makes our life on this chaotic earth worthwhile. These two quotes from Mahatma Gandhi spring to mind:

    It is the duty of a non-co-operator to preach disaffection towards the existing order of things. Non-co-operators are but giving disciplined expression to a nation’s outraged feelings.

    If one has no affection for a person or a system, one should feel free to give the fullest expression to his disaffection so long as he does not contemplate, promote, or incite violence.

    I thoroughly look forward to reading more of your work this year.

    Reply
  13. Warren Bonham

    I love the Gandhi quotes – yet another individual that I know way too little about and another example of how real education happens only after leaving the public school system. Thanks for the encouragement!

    Reply

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