Gifts in Hand

Here's a link to my newest article published on Abolition Now's website. It tells the story of a lovely young woman named Megan Etcheberry, and what she's doing to fight sex-trafficking and make a difference in the world.

Click on: Gifts in Hand

Jesus is Risen

(Years ago, I woke up at some odd hour with this song-like poem in my mind. In one sitting, I jotted down all the lyrical words. Since then, I've revised it a bit, but I hope it still bursts with the joy I felt at expressing the amazing truth that Jesus is alive.)

Jesus is Risen

Poem by Dawnna Jean Pearson

Copyright © 2014

O morning sun so proudly rise

Declare that He no longer lies

Within the dark of earth’s prison

Shout “He is risen! He is risen!”

You mountains that both tall and bold

Reflect the sun’s bright shining gold

Your heights of snow and stone and wind

Call “He is risen! He is risen!”

O river running deep and clear

The joyful news your waters hear

Rush down with this your pure mission

Say “He is risen! He is risen!”

Come fair lilies lend your voices

See how all the earth rejoices

Blend in glorious sweet fusion

Cry “He is risen! He is risen!”

And you O man with tongue to sing

Will you be shamed by muted things?

Raise your voice above them all

Let earth and heaven hear your call!

For you He died on Calvary

By choice His blood will set you free

If yes, you put your trust in Him

Then shout and call, say, cry, and sing

“He is risen! He is risen!”

In Courage!

    This weekend as I was quietly sinking into despair and considering the merits of becoming a hermitess in the woods...

    (Everyone has those moments, right?)

    ...The Lord kindly lifted my head and reminded me that I don't have to try to do this crazy artist/storyteller life on my own.
    The awesome truth that He is always with me also means that He always provides what I need for the task He gives me.

    One of the sweetest provisions is companions. I believe every artist of every variety should be in a circle of like-minded friends. The benefits of artistic support groups will require a much longer post than I'm writing today.

    I've heard the word "Encourage" described as "to open up someones heart and put courage into it". That is a great picture of what good companions can do.

    I don't think I would have become as confident and skilled an artist as I am now without the years of free oil-painting classes given by a kind and talented artist who spoke a lot of courage into me, as did my much older classmates.
    I don't think I would have ever displayed much art publicly if I wasn't involved with a community arts group who challenge and cheer me on.
    I doubt I would have e-published a novel without the companionship and helpful words of the fantastic friends I've met through my church's writers group.

    All these people have placed courage in my heart, and I thank the Lord for them. I hope Jesus will teach me more and more how to give back the gift of companionship and place courage in the hearts of my friends.