What if your God wanted to know
Why you gave up
Instead of anything else?
What if he asked you
At what point in your life
You decided nothing was worth it
And you gave up fighting
For what you wanted?
What if he wanted to know
Why you didn’t forgive
Like he does?
Or love
Like he does?
If he wanted to know
If his sons death was enough
For you to treat everyone
Like they matter?
What if he wanted to know
Why your life
Meant so little to you
That you took chances
With this gift?
What if he told you
Everyone you loved
And everyone you hated
Were your brothers and sisters?
Be ready to answer the question
Of why you gave up
And remember
It has to trump
“For God so loved the world….”
Josephine Ranes 
I’ve always tried to live as though I am reflecting on my life from my death bed. What will I be satisfied with? What will I wish I had done, or finished, or not done? I have never liked fighting, and neither do many others, yet the word “fight” is prevalent, even among pacifists. Would you consider using a word like “striving” instead of “fighting” in your poem?
Personally, I have been amazed at how frequently the word “fight” comes up in my own mind. By making an effort to find a different word, I expand my awareness of possibilities. “Fight” presumes an adversary. “Strive” doesn’t.
Generally speaking, I’m struck by how negative our language is: “It’s not as though . . .”, or “I don’t disagree with you,” are examples. I believe that by finding a way to speak in positive rather than negative terms, we might be able to improve the way we communicate in profound ways.
I agree with you. We are all different though, with different views and opinions. It is what makes this world less boring. All the best to you.
Do you mean “more interesting?”
I love diversity. I only brought up the thought about language because I’ve never heard anyone else mention it. I have long been fascinated by how the structure of our thoughts shapes our language. I believe that becoming more aware of the implications of the words we choose can give additional insight into the thoughts themselves. I “strive” to speak and write directly about “what is” rather than indirectly about “what is not” (“pacifist” rather than “non-violent,” for instance), but the language itself makes this a difficult exercise.
The best to you, too. I love your posts, so my teeny little suggestion about choice of words is more of a general observation about a cultural bias than a personal criticism.
No, I meant less boring.I’m happy you like my posts, and appreciate your suggestions.
A powerful challenge to us. And beautiful.