An attitude prevails that prosperity is ours
And God is glorified by all the things we own
I've heard this spirit speak and saw it
Hover 'neath the stars
Above the churches of our land
Within our hearts its seed is sown
"To have is to be blessed" and if we can proudly say
That if we have, then we are in a higher class than most
And we are loved above the rest in a most peculiar way
It's in these "blessings" of the Lord, we can surely boast
But this is pure deception for the Scripture clearly states
That, Yes! We're meant to prosper, but
Greatly as our soul
Yet the other spirit whispers,
Itching ears it penetrates
That to have brings forth God's praise, and
We should make that our goal.

Once I had all I desired
What I sought I gained
With every weekly paycheck I was
The envy 'mongst my peers
But oh, throughout the years,
I knew a poverty unfeigned
That dwelt amongst my soul
And wrought a multitude of tears
Where are the blessings of the Lord
Today as I look around, to see
One old, beaten car and in my closet, hand-me-downs
The pantry in my kitchen relieves me from all choice
Twice a year I shop at thrift shops, learning to rejoice
Where are the blessings of the Lord
For what may I give praise?
I may not entertain high style, but
I'm thankful for my days
For I have not known hunger, nor poverty, nor shame
Since I have known my Father, it's His Righteousness  I claim!

Darlene Marie Rose

Copyright ©1993  Darlene Marie Rose