The Manifestation of Surrender
by Leo Tyler
One must give it up
And I did
I gave it all
To receive what I most wanted
Passively participating
With no way to make it happen
Wait
Like Jesus on the Cross
Crying to His Father
My God, My God
Why has Thou forsaken me?
All alone
He feels
Abandoned
Yet, knowing God’s Love
Not doubting
Not fearing, Experiencing
the Manifestation of Surrender
His heart cries
My heart cries
Now the wait
Slowly transformed
Impossible to know
Trusting the Work
Yet unseen, Experiencing
the Manifestation of Surrender
As the weight is lifted
I wait
For how long
Gradually transformed
Impossible to know
Trusting the Work
Yet, unseen
I’m so lost
The path unknown, Experiencing
the Manifestation of Surrender
This my friend
Is the death of me
Reflection
Reflecting on "The Manifestation of Surrender," here are some questions to ponder:
What does surrender mean to you personally?
How do you interpret the concept of surrender based on your own life experiences and beliefs?
Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to surrender control or let go of something important? What was that experience like for you?
The poem mentions waiting and feeling lost during the process of surrender. Can you relate to these feelings in your own life? How do you navigate uncertainty and waiting periods?
Consider the line "knowing God’s Love, not doubting, not fearing." How does faith or spirituality influence your ability to surrender and trust in the unknown?
Reflect on the idea of transformation during surrender. Have you experienced personal growth or change as a result of surrendering to a situation or circumstance?
The poem concludes with the phrase "This my friend Is the death of me." What do you think this line means in the context of surrender? How do you interpret the idea of surrender leading to a metaphorical death?
How does the imagery and language used in the poem resonate with you?
Are there specific lines or phrases that stand out or evoke strong emotions or thoughts?
Biblical Texts
The poem "The Manifestation of Surrender" draws upon themes and imagery from the Christian tradition, particularly referencing Jesus on the cross and his cry to God in the Gospel of Matthew 27:46: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Additionally, the poem captures the essence of surrender as exemplified in various Biblical passages:
Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
These verses echo the sentiments expressed in the poem regarding surrendering one's desires, trusting in God's love, and finding peace amidst uncertainty. They emphasize the transformative power of surrendering to God's will and experiencing His presence even in the midst of trials and unanswered questions.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart heavy with longing and uncertainty. I have given it all, surrendered every desire, in the hope of receiving what I most yearn for. Yet, I find myself passive, waiting in the silence, like Jesus on the cross, crying out to you, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In this moment of abandonment, I feel alone, lost in the wilderness of my own fears and doubts. But I know, deep in my soul, that your love surrounds me, embracing me in my darkest hour. Help me to trust in your divine plan, to surrender to your will, even when the path ahead is unclear .As I wait in this liminal space, slowly transformed by the unseen workings of your grace, grant me the strength to persevere. Lift the weight of my burdens, O Lord, and guide me along the path of surrender. Though I may feel lost and unsure, I know that you are with me, leading me towards a greater understanding of your love. This, my friend, is the death of my ego, the letting go of all that I cling to. But in this death, I find new life, a rebirth of spirit and purpose. May I embrace the manifestation of surrender with open arms, knowing that you are always by my side. Amen.
