Passages of a Pilgrim

Like a Renaissance noble-woman and modern Joan of Arc, Joanna Faith has experienced many battles in her life. She has over-come attacks against her spirit, soul, and body. Her trials of life have included: serious childhood illness, the death of her parents, the relational death of a marriage, being injured in a car accident when hit on a freeway, and a job closing after 32 years working as a nurse with beloved dis-abled clients. She has felt God’s presence, insight and comfort in beauty, nature, dreams and visions as a Spirit filled believer. She lived in Brazil as a missionary kid and pastor’s daughter. Since childhood, she loved learning wisdom from the Holy Scriptures. She has learned, as a woman of faith, that God is faithful. He has been her strength, help, shield, love, wisdom and encourager since early childhood. Joanna has read over 1600 books. All inspirational words have been one of the bright lights offering hope during dark tribula-tions and losses. Reading and writing, as well as theatre and movies have given her much joy during her journey of life. Three style examples of Joanna’s poetic writing are provided below to share her diverse poetic voice. The first is a more tradi-tional style, similar to Davidic Psalms. Most of the poems are acrostic. The second poem example is an enjoyable fun acrostic poem. Medita-ting on the Holy Scriptures, prayer and praise are part of Joanna’s life. During soul pain, past depression and disappointments, God has given her words of life. The third poem style is personal and inspirational. [NOTE: The poetry book poems are a full length and not compressed in a col-umn, like these samples]. (A psalm style sample) Simple Adoration The Lord God is my Light and Salvation Who will trouble my heart or bring fear The Lord is my Strength and Protection When I call, He comforts me and is near The vast majority of the poems in the book are written in the acrostic style. The first letter of the poem from top to bottom spells a topic idea of the poem. An example of an enjoyable more humorous and fun acrostic poem is found in the poem: Friends. The words from top to bottom vertically, spell: HUMAN PETS As noted below, the poetry book shares a variety of emotions. Friends H ere is a topic that can be humorous to me U nique and varied are the pets of humanity M ice, dogs, ants and color- ful fish I have seen A ntelopes, frogs, turtles and funny monkeys N imble cats, horses, perky gerbils and fish P eople can deeply care about them with emotion E very animal can create a bond of such devotion T hank you God for magni- ficent creatures we see S haring beauty and friend- ship through species The third type of poem provided, offers a poem inspired from the heart of God as sweet comfort. God’s Lovely Promises N ever give up, My darling one Your delayed dreams will come I see all attacks against your soul I will make you completely whole This is a new season, day, a new way Just release it to Me, love and pray There is so much more for you to do I AM as a mother hen, I brood over you Happy days will again for you return Bridges of loss and sorrow, now burn Let your words, art, dance and songs Bring bright light over dark wrongs I hear your prayers, I feel your heart I see your fears, I see your tears Run to me child, for comfort Seek Me when forlorn and torn Breathe in My Spirit, rest in Me Many new vistas you will see Be free in Me, ascend in majesty My amazing noble white queen Now arise and shine, overcome night With My blessings of love and might. This unique creative (over 440 page) book represents Joanna Faith’s journey of life as revealed in 210 poems that have been written over the last 20 years. There are Bible verses that have been paired with the poetry that were added after the fact, to reveal the principles and spiritual concepts expres-sed in the heartfelt poems from her life’s journey. In Joanna’s over fifty-eight years of life, as a Spirit filled Christian, she sur-vived many difficult life seasons, with God’s compassion and direction. Some poems, that are written similar to the Psalms, will exemplify the feelings we as humans will feel during challenging human experiences. As a nurse, reader, teacher, investigator, philosopher and traveler, she has in-stilled many experiences and feelings. Her know-ledge base includes study-ing the Bible, psychology, sociology, theology, history, music, art, science, current events, reading fact and fiction books. She has met a variety of great people during her travels to Eu-rope, Middle East lands, South America and around the United States. She has had the privilege to minister to people on mission trips in Mexico, while living in Brazil and while volun-teering at church. The poetry in her first book reflect truths she has learn-ed while at work, while reading, watching ministers on television, seeing her grandparents and parents exemplify true Christian faith, honor and compas-sion and listening to 5 fold ministers at church. Joanna Faith has earned a Bachelors degree in Nursing and a Bachelors degree in Practical Ministry. This poetic book is a collection of life reflections Joanna Faith shares as true Christian sojourner. Her hope is that they bring courage, hope and enlight-enment to the readers. She has learned Holy Trinity assists us on our journey as earthly pilgrims, as we remember, that Heaven is our ultimate eternal home.