Merry Christmas!

Wow, I can't believe it's already Christmas. Well, near the end of Christmas, actually. God has shown Himself faithful, as always, and I'm so deeply grateful for everything He's done for my family and I this year! With 2018 rapidly approaching, I am finding myself looking back at this year, and everything that has occurred.

Sure, there's been quite a few bumps in the road, and college hasn't exactly been a walk in the park, but those menial things quickly fade away in the presence of all the good God has done. Between my books taking off, and my new job, life has certainly been blessed, and I'm so grateful!

I have a lot of plans for the upcoming year, and I look forward to entering into my last year of college! As I'm nearing the homestretch, I am praying for God to open up opportunities for me, as well as direction in where I am to go. I know He's got it all planned out, and I trust Him!

I pray you all have had a truly merry Christmas, and as we enter the new year, I hope you enter it with joy, even if life has been hard. God is so good to us, and for that, I'm so grateful!

Merry Christmas! 

Salvation: A New Poem

I took a quick break from all of my book news to share a new poem with you all, entitled Salvation. The last few weeks have been full of so many exciting events, as well as some that haven't been so wonderful. Even though these events have left me with mixed feelings, I remind myself of all the good that God has done for me, and how it is obvious His hand is on my life. I know He has my future in His hands, and this truth applies to us all. Even when things don't make sense, or aren't going the way we hoped they would, we still have assurance in His Word!

Change is always met with turbulence,

New roads take endurance to pave.

Pioneering is never void of disturbance.

Why can't I see Your light in this catacomb?

Have I been forgotten, ignored, left for dead? 

Is a dismal plain where my heart must roam?

Multifaceted, glimmering, and yet so detached,

In a crimson sunrise borne upon a dying land.

Is the air in these lungs oh so tightly latched?

Will they ever gain the courage to break free?

Tears can't be wasted, nor can they be forgotten.

Oh God, how hard is it to simply breathe?

I've felt lost in a hurricane, thoughts swirling like the wind,

I've been looking for a savior, but I was wrong all along.

The enemy was never the storm, it was always my own mind.

Don't leave me to die, cleanse my bloodied hands,

Wipe the tears from my eyes and comfort my fears.

Soothe my tattered heart, it is yours to command.  

Wings of Honor Available on Amazon!

I am happy to announce that Wings of Honor is now available for purchase on Amazon in both eBook and hardback editions! A paperback will be forthcoming, as well as an audio book version of the story. The hardback edition is truly beautiful, and would make a perfect Christmas gift for fantasy lovers!

In the next few weeks, I am going to be writing a series of blog posts that will delve into the vast story world of Aragnar, as well as writing tips and other tidbits. I also will be sharing more poetry, as well as news on my poem book Dauntless, which will soon be in production.

I truly hope that these upcoming posts will intrigue you, as I am excited to share some of my story world with you! Questions are deeply encouraged, and if there is enough interest, I would be glad to provide answers in a Q&A format similar to my previous interview post. If anyone is interested in becoming an author themselves, or you know someone who is, I would love to share my story with them!

I hope you all have had an enjoyable holiday season, and I can't wait to share more about my world with you all.

You can purchase Wings of Honor at Amazon.com today!
https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Warriors-Aragnar-Elizabeth-Hornberger/dp/1946692220/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1513451832&sr=8-1 

Wings of Honor eBook Edition Officially up for Pre-order!

Just a quick post for today, I wanted to make sure everyone is aware that my book, Wings of Honor, is now available for pre-order as an eBook on Amazon.com! It is only $0.99 until the 9th, which is an INCREDIBLE deal, considering that it will at that point jump up to $2.99.

Don't forget to grab a copy during this special sale, even if you don't have a kindle, you can easily read the book on your computer or cellular device.

Here is the link to purchase your own copy of this extraordinary adventure today!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077XZKLYH/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_nyXjAbN4S28KF

Aragnar Re-imagined: The Journey Begins

After ten years of dreaming, learning, and striving to bring my stories to life, the day has finally arrived when my books are taking off! (Pun entirely intended) As I have previously mentioned, my self-published series that I released four years ago, The Warriors of Aragnar Trilogy, was picked up by Crimson Pulse Media, and repackaged as a four book epic, The Warriors of Aragnar!

Here is the official synopsis, listed below:

"For many decades, stories of betrayal and blood have surrounded the mysterious land of Aragnar, a nation inhabited by winged warriors. A bloodthirsty king has taken the Aragnarian throne, and he is now coming to claim the rest of the world for himself...

Aragnar amounts to little more than legend within a small village on Whitecliff island, but not for long. When Maria Fellbane’s quiet life is interrupted by strange visitors, her destiny is forever altered as the stories of Aragnar come to life. As prophecy and war collide, will Maria be able to stand strong in her faith, or lose everything she loves?"

Not only has the series been updated manuscript-wise, but I was blessed to have an amazing piece of custom art made for the cover! While I dearly love the art I made for the original cover, I knew that I would need a cover for the new version that would truly be professional and eye-catching. However, I had (for whatever reason) not expected such an incredible level of artistic mastery. Perhaps it was because I didn't know what I was expecting, but all I know is that it is an incredible answer to prayer.Wings of Honor will firstly be printed in a first edition hardback, and will feature my original illustrations inside, including character concept art and a map of Whitecliff Island, Maria's home. It will eventually be released in both paperback and eBook editions, but I am personally most excited for the hardback edition, it is going to be beautiful!

I'm deeply grateful that my own art is still included in the book, and I can't wait to hold a copy in my hands. I have many plans for the days ahead, and this series will be promoted far beyond my limited reach. I want to begin planning book signings and other author events, as well as creating some merchandise featuring this snazzy cover art!

Not only will this book be available online, it will be available where all books are sold. This is an incredible leap into the publishing world for a new author, and I am so grateful for this opportunity! We are already beginning to plan for the next few books, as I've already written the next two in the series. I am currently finishing up the fourth and final installment, which will be a powerful conclusion to a truly memorable journey. Not only will I have completed my first book series, but it will open the door for my next series, which I have been writing and tweaking for the past ten years.

I invite you all to embark on an incredible journey of adventure and trials, battles and lore, and the quest for redemption. It is a tale of trauma and loss, but also of hope and victory. Aragnar is a land in turmoil, but quite similarly to our own world, it is showered in echos of light, hearkening to our mighty and powerful Savior.

The Cry for Freedom: A Poem

While this poem is shorter then my usual length, I felt it necessary to keep it short and succinct. We all find ourselves captive by different things through our lives, and we long to find freedom. What we all must discover is that true freedom that lasts is only found through Christ. 

Am I feeling numb, or is this a state of denial, 

A living contradiction, my heart burns with fire.

Is it too much to ask to witness true revival?

Or has society fallen too deep in the mire?

My tongue is a sword and I cut where I choose,

Is it false bravery? Or am I a loose cannon?

Am I holding power, or do I have the most to lose?

Or am I starving in an intellectual famine?

Regardless of which is true, the reality is the same,

Only one power will ever conquer the shadow.

And I refuse to step in line with the dark's game,

For God's truth sets hearts and minds aglow.

So break from formation, sever the chains,

That keeps our minds captive, makes us slaves.

There's something more then blood pumping in my veins,

It's time these old demons were sent to their graves.

God's Creation and His Involvement in our World: An Author's Perspective

In the beginning, there was God. This statement, as we are often so frequently told, would strike the match of enlightenment and spread its blaze across the world. What information could be so vital, so poignant, that it would topple regimes, lay nations low, and be bravely sacrificed for time and time again? No other book then the Word of God has proclaimed a message so powerful, and no other tale rings with such truth. Without the account of creation standing at the forefront of God’s Word, everything we as Christians believe would be established on unsure ground.

While the creation story itself is certainly the subject of heated debate, one question still stands above all others; is God truly the creator of all things, and is He still actively involved with His creation? This question will be discussed in depth in the following article, as well as how a proper belief in the subject is critical in the author’s vocation, as well as a writer’s in general.  

To put it concisely, without God at the forefront of creation, nothing that exists would be. While many would wish to argue with this, one must first use the Bible itself as their starting point, as a proverbial compass to guide their way through the sea of uncertainty that is life. While one certainly should not use the Bible as their singular authority in a debate of origins, as there is plenty of proof of creation in science, it must indeed remain our central focus.

As Genesis 1:1 so clearly states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  In the following verses, the beginning of our saga unfolds, telling of God’s creation of our world. Regardless of one’s personal views on the subject, the Bible is clear in its statement of God’s creative acts, as well as His direct involvement in humanity, and the world at large.

To further establish this concept, theologian Robert W. Cadwell wrote, “Creation is an ideal world in the divine mind, that God creates continuously ex nihilo…God is the ultimate cause of everything which comes to pass in creation.”[1] The Christian’s belief regarding creation is highly critical in a scientifically-driven world, not simply for applicational purposes, but for the fundamental structure of faith. Jesus himself spoke of God’s creation, including the Apostle John, who in John 1:3 said, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” If we were to disregard the creation account as a mere fable, and not truth, we would be calling Jesus himself a liar, as well as his disciples.

Regarding God’s continuing involvement in creation, theologian Terence E. Fretheim compared the connection between God and His creation to that of a spider web, in such a way that “any act reverberates out and effects the whole, shaking this web with varying degrees of intensity.”[2] Dr. Kenneth J. Archer reflected on Fretheim’s words with a statement of his own, saying, “It is not a tight causal weave because there is room for God to be at work presently in creation as creation moves towards its future destiny…God has not predetermined every event in history. God acts in and through creation…”

God is not, as the Deists would claim, a disconnected being with no care or concern for His creation. He is actively involved in His creation, and as Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Having a proper understanding of God’s creation and His close involvement with us, His created people, is truly astounding, but how can it be applied to our daily lives? To narrow the question down further, how can a solid understanding of the subject be applied to one’s job?

For an author, have a solid foundation in creation, as well as God’s involvement, is incredibly vital. One might not think that a writer needs such things in order to excel at their craft, and perhaps some writers seem to manage well without it, but the truth is that they can only go so far. Regardless of what genre an author writes in, or what discipline of writing they choose, every single writer must have a worldview. If they do not have an understanding of creation and the God who oversees all, their thought process will be one-sided and nowhere near as deep or impactful as it could be.

The vocation of a writer is not one to be taken lightly, as words are incredibly important. As a crafter of words and a proclaimer of truth, an author implements their beliefs, faith, and worldview into everything they write. Regardless of whether or not they’re aware of this fact, that does not change the reality of the gravity of words. Words can breathe life into a discouraged soul, and they can likewise drag one’s hopes into the depths of despair. An author holds a powerful calling of influence, and the ability to uplift and inspire.

Why does creation matter so deeply to the writer? One word comes to mind before any others; foundation. As the Christian needs a solid foundation for their belief system, so the author must have a firm grounding in the truth, so that their words are a reflection of that truth. How else can the truth be spread then by pen and word? Whether dealing with fiction or non-fiction, the creation account shapes one’s foundational beliefs, and without it, what are words but mere ink on paper? As said in Colossians 3: 17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”

 In closing, it is truly a blessing to study the creation account and learn more about God’s story, in which we all share a part. Whether it is applied simply in one’s daily life, or even in the vocation of an author’s, it is just as critical. The truth must be upheld regardless of any opposition, and as Christians, it is our duty to stand for it. Whether it is a Christian defending God’s Word in the workplace, or an author penning a tale that gives God glory and tells of His creation, and involvement in our world, both are incredibly valuable.

As so clearly stated in 2 Timothy 3:17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

God is actively involved in our lives, and He is not a distant figure with no care or concern of His creation. He loves us so deeply, that He became the victim of sin in our place. How can we even begin to fathom such a selfless act? What more can it do then compel us to fall to our knees in gratefulness, and then back to our feet in blessed assurance? Armed with this knowledge, we must indeed rise, and stand as a bastion of truth against the darkness of ignorance and deception, in whatever form it may take.

---

[1] Cadwell, Robert W. “Jonathan Edwards on God and Creation. By Oliver D. Crisp.” Journal of Theological Studies, vol. 65, no. 1, Apr. 2014, pp. 340-343

[2] Archer, Kenneth J. "God-Creation's Hope, Creation-God's Home: A Pentecostal Theological Response to Terence E. Fretheim's God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation." Journal of Pentecostal Theology, vol. 19, no. 2, Oct. 2010, pp. 198-212.

The Crisis of Morality, A Poem

I find it truly saddening that one of the most common topics of this blog is pain and suffering. How many times have I reflected on the horrors of violence, terrorism, and Godlessness? The recent tragedy of the Texas church shooting has struck my heart as if with a knife, but that is only one incident of many. Yes, there are acts of terror in my country, but countless more drown out these incidents with daily nightmares in other nations. Yes, pain is relative, but to say that every single life lost is a mere statistic in a growing epidemic of moral evil is just scratching the surface. This hurting world must turn to God if we ever hope to see a better tomorrow, and in all that we do, we must never, ever lose hope.

No matter what rises against us, we must not give into fear, and we can't let the enemy tell us that our lives don't matter. We DO have a voice, and we do matter. Mediocrity should not be in the vocabulary of the Christian, nor anyone for that matter. We should never settle for the sickness of this world, and we must never accept that this is all that will ever be. 

When did we become so jaded, so mute and blind?

How came we gloss over the truth, such ignorance...

Why have we forsaken righteousness, left justice behind?

We run from confrontation, yet we drown in belligerence.

What on earth are we trying to hide?

We look away from the bloodstained floor.

Don't pay attention, pain can't be our guide,

How dare we consider we've opened a door?

Don't blame a higher power, what are you running from?

The mass terror in our hearts tears apart our wings.

We flee from the painful truth, but what have we become?

Are we puppet masters, or are we bound with strings?

In an age of reason, we have never been farther from the truth,

Propaganda never saves, and ignorance nary informs.

Open your eyes, see the pain that plagues our youth!

Don't turn away from the darkness that has become the norm. 

Terror mercilessly inflicts and violence emboldens,

Those who seek to destroy the lives we're meant to save.

When we find ourselves lost in a sea of emotions,

Does the future herald anything but the grave?

Where did courage go, in the face of crushing fear?

Have we lost our ability to go against the grain?

My God, when did we forget that you are always near?

When fearless, we once stood for your name?

In a nation of sheep without a shepherd,

To you, my God, I earnestly pray...

Don't let us lose our sights forever,

Help us see the light of the day.

Seeing Through Fictional Eyes: Why Character Development Matters

Despite my crazy busy college career, I have still managed to juggle writing my novels, as well as reading several others. During this time, I have discovered, much to my dismay, that there is a saddening lack of depth in character development in many fiction stories nowadays. 

While this realization certainly isn't as serious as the many issues that plague our world, (as I write this, I am reading about the terror attack in New York, and my heart is saddened by this news), from a writer's perspective, I find it sad that authors are sacrificing originality for sales.

By no means am I accusing all authors of this, I have read many amazing books by truly talented authors who have turned this issue on it's head and all but decimated it. However, more often then not I find that most books (particularly of the fantasy genre) have followed the same thread, time and time again.

While some books I have read have indeed had intriguing plots, the characters are choppy and one-sided, hardly relatable. Perhaps that is okay, and my concerns are just to be cast aside as odd complaints of an amateur author. Or, perhaps they do indeed carry a weight that should be regarded as truth. Regardless of one's position on the debate, I certainly believe that fictional characters need to be engaging, deep, and three-dimensional.

How does one create such a character, and why on earth does it matter?

In order to have an engaging character, they must be believable. Who cares if your character has had a bad past? (Spoiler alert, we all deal with issues in our past and present in some way or another.) If they're going to live in the present shadowed by an action of the past, it must be grounded in some form of reality. 

Now, that can be strange to say, coming from a fantasy author. How can one write realty in fantasy? It's actually simpler then one would initially think. Personally, when I create a character, I try to make their struggles as real life as possible. 

Also, personality is key. My characters range in all sorts of personalities, ideals, creeds, and cultures. Take my character Norgal, for example. (The guy in the painting featured above) He is a Kyraen, which is one of the two winged races in my series. His background is one of turmoil and sadness, but also many regrets. His people are regarded with fear and mistrust because of their past actions, and have been painted in a terrible light for some very valid reasons.

That is an example of taking very real and serious issues like racism and generalization, and turning down a fictional avenue to thicken the plot with meaning. It makes fictional worlds, cultures, and people groups far more believable, as well as relatable.

The goal of my writing has always been to create characters that are deeply complex and multifaceted. I desire for my readers to relate to my characters, and in a way, I like to view the characters as mirrors. They reflect real life, and I hope that readers can be encouraged by their stories.

Because after all, isn't that the purpose characters, as well as the story, is to serve? If it isn't to inspire, encourage, and even educate; then what purpose is there? If God isn't glorified, and if the tale doesn't reflect the grand story that is our reality, then I find that there is no reason to write.  

Meaning, A Poem

After a brief break from my poem-writing streak mostly due to homework, I have a new poem to share with you all. This one is entitled "Meaning", and it certainly is something that we all search for in life. Considering the convulsion in the world as we find our countries, homes, and even our very lives under fire of trial and tragedy; it is imperative that we seek the Lord for wisdom and understanding. Fear will always try its hardest to control our lives and blind us from the truth, and no matter what, we cannot give into it. 

Every day we live and breathe on this earth,

We must strive to make the most of our time.

In the great struggle to find our own self-worth,

We ask, "Will I find what stirs this heart of mine?"

We long to know that we matter,

In a jaded civil war of ideals.

We hear the echo of laughter,

When we need words that heal.

Unnoticed in the empty crowd of humanity,

We are cast aside as too far gone to save.

We beg for someone to recognize our depravity,

And reach down to lift us from our graves.

But no one turns from the highway of progress,

To lend a helping hand to the downtrodden.

In a cruel world of hurried incompetence,

The wounded are left behind, forgotten. 

I was lost in the darkness and felt my life leaving,

I tried to grasp it with ragged fingers, failing.

I cried out in terror as I felt so alone, believing,

That I was abandoned forever, unraveling.

Then someone took my bruised hand,

And spoke words of life despite my fears.

He took me away from this diseased land,

And tenderly wiped away all my tears. 

He set me aside for something greater then myself,

And stood like a beacon for those the world had denied.

In his presence, a knowledge so deep I never could delve,

And despite my condemning sins, for me He selflessly died...

Now we can walk in freedom if we so choose,

In our bitter world, there is a brilliant guiding light.

It breaks my heart when terribly blinded, people refuse,

To see the truth that their wrongs can be made right.

Now in a land divided by hatred and confusion,

I march with a purpose sent down from on High.

A banner held in healed hands, I stand against the delusion,

That hopelessness cannot lose in this fight for our lives. 

Terror and Uncertainty; and a Reflection on the Fragility of Life

First and foremost, I must admit that this article's writing is purposefully delayed, considering the subject matter. God lay the horrific events of Las Vegas heavy on my heart over the past week, as well as many of the other heartbreaking tragedies occurring around the world. Before I posted my thoughts on these situations, Las Vegas in particular, I wanted to be certain that it was written with the utmost respect. 

The loss of life should never be taken lightly, regardless of the situation or circumstance, and in this particular case, my heart still hurts just to think of the mindless horror that occurred. In that vein, I found myself reminded of my own humanity, as well as the all-too-real reality of the evil that dwells in our world. 

In times of great darkness, we are presented a tremendous choice that has no easy answer. When we battle with such intense fear and anger after we are thrown in situations that remind us of our fragility, those feelings often turn into hate. We want to hate the one who slaughtered innocents. We want him to die, and we wish for him to pay the price for his grievous actions. 

However, if that the right action to take? Are we to hate the man, or should we look far deeper then the surface? In order to answer such questions, I will firstly turn to the Bible, which talks in depth on such things. I have been pondering on Romans 8 for many days now, and the truths found in that chapter are quite eye-opening. For starters, we will begin with Romans 8:1-2, which says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."

While that verse is certainly comforting for those of faith, we still see a tremendous amount of sin and death in our world, it surrounds us and fills hearts with dread. The situation in Las Vegas is a very stark reminder of the enemy's tactics, as well as the saddening reality of living in a sinful world.  And that particular situation is not isolated; it does not take one long to look at the world and see the widespread effects of fear and violence. Evil is merciless and will not hesitate to claim lives and wreak havoc, as well as instill fear in our hearts and minds.

Fear is a powerful foe, but even it cannot claim victory over the cross. And in continuation of that thought, neither can the darkness of evil conquer the light. When we see the terrible effects of evil in our world, we quickly can grow cold, fearful, and distant; choosing to view the situation merely through human eyes. The truth is, when we fall from love, and fall from God's Word and give into fear, we lose more then we ever would hope to gain.

We are in danger of mediocrity when we let our perception of our reality cloud our futures. Through expectations, we set for ourselves lofty heights that can never be met, and when they come crashing down, we are faced with the very fear we tried to run from in the beginning. Such is the irony of life, we run from what we cannot escape, and try without success to convince ourselves that we will never face what is inevitable.

Likewise, we try to ignore the sovereignty of God, for humanity would rather dodge accountability in any way possible then be held responsible for our actions. Despite our efforts to evade such things, they are in vain. God is not some distant deity who holds no regard or concern for His creation. He is personal, and He has invested His shed blood into every single one of us. He died so we can live free, and yet many die never knowing this truth. What a travesty indeed when we fail to focus on the importance of this fact. Where have we gone wrong?

We believe that we are invincible, and that we never will face difficulty and hardship, even when it stares us down and makes us realize our grievous mistake. We turn the truth away in favor of a comfortable lie, and yet we fail to see that the truth is what we so desperately need. As clearly stated in Proverbs 12:1, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.”

‭‭I pray we seek the truth, have a hunger for knowledge unveiled through God’s Word, and refuse to fall into mediocrity. As Christians, when a great crisis draws us to our knees, we are called to rise. For who else will stand against the darkness, when evil rears its ugly head? What can we do but stand and fight against the monstrosity of sin through prayer and action? We are called by God to reach out to the hurting, aid the broken, and stand against the evil, as is clearly stated in Isaiah 58:6-8, which reads, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am. ’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.”

We must not give into fear. Even when it swallows our hearts and drowns our minds with the melancholy of hopelessness and the numb terror of helplessness. Regardless, we must not give in. For the day we do, we will lose ourselves in the madness that is humanity lost without a savior. With fear, there is no hope. And with no hope, there is nothing worth living for. 

Inerrancy of Scripture and the Question of Hell: A Millenial's Perspective

When a society forgets that which is true, it will fall into rapid decline, especially when matters of faith are concerned. Regardless of the attempts to stem the tide of such ignorance, if one does not understand the root cause, they will fail to see the extent of the effects that a situation like that will create. Such a topic is the matter of the reality of hell, as well as the rising lack of disbelief in its literal existence. The dangers of ignorance and blatant disregard of such a critically important place cannot be ignored. This issue will be discussed in depth in the following article, as well as the implications of the lack of belief in a literal hell will cause.

Before any other statement can be made about the subject mentioned above, it is imperative that one understands the importance of the Word of God as a whole. Without it, the backbone of an entire belief system would crumble, and the world along with it. In order to validate the previous statement, research must be presented that argue for and prove the inerrancy of the Bible. 

To begin, we must understand what inerrancy even is. According to Ericson, the author of “Introducing Christian Doctrine”, “The inerrancy of Scripture is the doctrine that the Bible is fully truthful in all of its teachings.” [1] For many, the topic of the Bible’s inerrancy is a critical point of differences in belief, and great argumentation, but why is this the case? Why is the inerrancy of the Bible so important that it causes the spinning of theories and the clash of differences in thought? Simply put, the whole of our faith, as well as the understanding of God and His word, depend on whether or not the Bible is true. How can we determine whether or not it is factual in its entirety? First off, we will explore the pages of the Bible itself. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that “ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” To say that all scripture is God-breathed is to say that the Bible, as a whole, is true. For if God were not true in all He says and does, this would mean that His Word cannot be regarded as inerrant truth, and thus, we would be prompted to call God a liar. 

However, this is simply not the case. There are many more sources that point to the Bible’s inerrancy then the scriptures themselves. The whole of creation, as well as humanity’s own history, attests to the realities of the truthfulness of God’s Word. Ericson states that, “The church has historically held to the inerrancy of the Bible. While there has not been a fully enunciated theory until modern times, nonetheless there was, down through the years of church history, a general belief in the complete dependability of the Bible.”[2] Many figures of notability in history also championed an inerrant view of the scriptures, including Clement of Rome, who stated, “Look carefully into the Scriptures, which are the true utterances of the Holy Spirit. Observe that nothing of an unjust or counterfeit character is written in them.”[3]

Why is this important to the Christian, and why should we care about the inerrancy of the Bible as a whole? Without it, we would be lost in disbelief and confusion. If the entirety of the Bible is not true, then who is to define was is true, as opposed to what is false? Such questions can quickly send the topic spiraling out of control with no recovery. 

Now that we understand why it is critical for the Christian to believe that the Bible is the fully inerrant word of God, that leads us to the titular topic. Why is it important for Christians to believe in a literal hell, and why does it matter to the world as a whole? It is far more imperative then we might think. According to the Pew Research Center, 74% of Americans believe in heaven, but only 59% believe in a literal hell.[4] In another study conducted by Barna Research, it has been revealed that 28% of Christians believe that good works alone will get them into heaven.[5] Even though those numbers might not seem to drastic, when it is broken down even further, the implications of such data is concerning. 

The Bible is very clear when it describes hell as a very real place. Revelation 21:8 is such a verse, states, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” There are a plethora of verses in the Bible that speak of hell as a very real place, a place where those who did not serve God in their lives would spend an eternity of torment separate from Him. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, a very chilling picture is painted. “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” 

Jesus himself spoke often about hell, and the realities that awaited those who turned away from salvation. The early church also upheld the belief in a literal hell, and as time passed, people began to grow skeptical of its existence, much like they did concerning the inerrancy of the Bible. Many ask the age-old question, “how can a loving God send people to hell?” While it is true that God loves us and doesn’t wish for us to spend eternity in hell, he also is a just God. He cannot let the sin of man go unpunished, and through Jesus’s sacrifice, He offers all salvation to rescue us from our self-crafted fate. If we do not believe that hell is every bit as real as heaven, we are setting ourselves up for a grievous mistake with terribly eternal consequences. Christians cannot ignore this issue, and it cannot be glossed over as unimportant when the state of people’s souls are at stake. 

I must be honest that when I wrote the main body of this article, I was struggling with my choice of topic. After hearing about the unimaginable horrors of the Las Vegas shooting, the concept that many of the concert-goers not experiencing Jesus’s salvation, and going to hell, was horrifying. Watching videos play memorials of all the victims, and seeing the life in their eyes, brought tears to my own. How could I write a topical piece on the reality of hell when many innocents had just lost their lives; their eternal destination unknown? However, the importance of believing that hell is a real place and cannot be seen as fiction still stands. Hell is not a simple fantasy horror, and whether we would like to believe that or not, it doesn’t change the fact that it exists. 

When we choose to ignore the ramifications of our actions, as well as erroneous beliefs, we are not only setting ourselves up for failure, but others as well. Our society is an obvious example of a people who are running from the truth. Topics such as heaven and hell are commercialized, but rarely believed. Because of this, Christianity is often ridiculed and taken lightly, as nothing other than a fairytale. Jesus’s message of salvation is regarded as fiction, while people continue to search for something to fill the hole in their hearts with all manners of things. We as a society run from the truth, deny Christ’s kingship, and all the while dig ourselves further into sin. We live in a time that desperately needs the inerrant truth found in God’s Word, and if we do not believe it as a whole, including the topic of hell, we find ourselves in grave error. 

Thankfully for humanity, God did not wish for us to suffer eternal separation from Him. Jesus shed his blood as the perfect sacrifice to save us from our ill fate, and if we so choose, we can one day spend eternity with Him, the horrors of sin a long forgotten memory. Jesus is the only one who can fill that hole in one’s heart, He is the saving grace that washes us clean of our impurities and makes as like new. Through His salvation, we discard the ugliness of sin and take on the light that pierces even the mightiest of darkness. To solidify this fact, Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________

[1] Ericson, CH 6, “The Dependability of God’s Word”, Introducing Christian Doctrine (Ericson, 1992, 2001, 2015)

[2]  Ericson, CH 6, “The Dependability of God’s Word”, Introducing Christian Doctrine (Ericson, 1992, 2001, 2015)

[3] Clement of Rome, The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

[4] Pew Research Center, U.S. Religious Landscape Survey: Religious Beliefs and Practices

[5] Barna Research, “The State of the Church, 2016”

Masks, A Poem

I'm back with a new poem! I am quite sure that this will be one of the last poems I'm going to include in Dauntless, and honestly this poem is one of my new favorites. It focuses on the lies that we as humans often try to hide behind, and how, like a mask, such things cannot remain hidden forever. 

What a paradox we then find ourselves in,

That with great trepidation, and bated breath,

Parade about us falsities wrapped in human skin.

So far gone into darkness, so deep in lies,

Have masks melded with flesh and bone?

Despite our desperation, have we become what we despise?

Yet we continue to reject that which will bring salvation,

Choosing ignorance instead, a blind faulted trust,

Failing to bring the consequences of our actions into consideration.

We predictably exude that which we want others to believe,

We present our plethora of masks, display them for all to see,

Hiding the venom that eats us alive, prohibiting us from being free.

The vile lies of humanity will always be revealed,

Masks fade, darkness flees in the presence of the light,

Never does evil, in all its influence, remain concealed.

For what can stop the power of noble ideas?

Truth writ with blood and ink, lived for, died for...

For all of humanity, God yearns to show us who He is.

For a mask does not hide intentions forever,

It will often reflect the user's dubious intent,

How clever we think we are, fighting a worthless endeavor,

Truth is a mirror, it shows us our flaws,

But, if we uphold the light with courage,

We shall see we stand for a mighty cause.

The Battle for Hope in a Hopeless World

Hope.

For some, this word is considered to be synonymous with ignorance. Others regard it with shining eyes and poetic praise, and yet, there are those who view it as a four letter word among the circles of the 'intellectually minded'. While these categories are indeed generalizations, for I wouldn't be so bold as to state that there are not any variances in opinions and beliefs. However, we often fail to recognize the power such a small word can hold, as well as the influence it holds over many.

You might be wondering why I chose to write on this topic. After all, I am a very busy college student who often writes more for academic purposes then recreational. Such facts do indeed dictate my writing to a degree, but I also believe in writing about things that matter to me, and this topic is one that I believe needs to be expounded upon.

Hope is powerful, and can be used as a mighty weapon for good. Through hope, nations have risen, and corrupt governments have toppled. Through hope, ideas have spread, and false philosophies have been disregarded as such. Through hope, Jesus walked the earth and showed our fallen race salvation through His sacrifice. These are just a few examples of how hope has forever impacted our world, and how it continues to do so.

Yet, hope does not exist without opposition. As much as we'd like to believe our world is good, we are all too aware of the darkness that fills our existence with trials and tribulations. This darkness is overwhelming, and has an insatiable appetite for destruction. Every human being struggles in an invisible fight with this darkness, for surely it's goal is to eat us alive from the inside out.

Have you ever felt empty inside? Has that emptiness been so damaging that you've sought to fill that void with anything and everything? And yet, even after all our attempts to heal ourselves and bandage our wounds, we still are left with the dull ache that never leaves. I'm sure you've been told, as have I, to "have faith, hope, etc" by well-meaning friends and family. I'm not saying that we shouldn't seek those things, but if we are not going to the true source of real hope, we will never achieve the goal we so desperately long for.

Even though many would argue and disagree with me, I am confident in the fact that true hope is found only through Jesus Christ. Hope found through Him is the hope that topples evil regimes, destroys false beliefs, and raises one's confidence so they can make it through the darkest of days. I know that personally, if I didn't have hope through Jesus, I would have fallen in despair many years ago. The world is a vile place, and the enemy is vicious in his attacks on God's children. Whether you realize it or not, we are immersed in a battle that far surpasses that of any human battle past, present, or future. We can't see it with our natural eyes, but we can see the effects of this war in very physical ways.

We feel it, we see it, and we live it. We feel the dread and hopelessness of a fallen world, we see the wars, terror, and divisions of human nature, and we live in a torn society ripe with sin. Even one of these things is enough to bring one's spirits down and sow seeds of anger, fear, and even depression, in some cases.

Simply put, without Jesus, there would be no true, lasting hope. If we have no hope, then we have no drive to live meaningful lives. Hope is the spark that sets our hearts ablaze, and without it, it would be nothing but dead, cold ashes. Even if you feel like you've lost hope, remember that with Christ, the fire is never extinguished, and it will always burn brighter after adversity. Through darkness, the light shines even brighter, and thank God that hope never dies!

Detoxing the Poison: A Q&A with Christian Solo Artist Sarah K. Thorne

For the past ten years, my closest and dearest friend Sarah has stood beside me through the trials and tribulations of life. A true friend and sister in every aspect of the word, she has played such a pivotal role in the creation of my book series that I am confident it would not exist without her. 

When she is not geeking out with me over my novels, Sarah is a talented musician, and has long desired to release her unique, raw, and pulse-pounding music to the world. Finally, at long last, that time has come. Entering the scene with a true explosive bang, Sarah recently revealed her first masterpiece to the world, a single entitled "The Poison in Me". 

Beginning with a haunting instrumental intro that is entirely unique for a song of it's genre, The Poison in Me quickly transfers to a heavy melody, where Sarah displays her incredible skills with the guitar, as well as production. The lyrics are incredibly deep, and even though they are sparse, they leave one thinking...and that is exactly the effect she intended for it to carry.

For some, the song might come across as abrupt and dark. For it certainly wouldn't be categorized as a 'normal' contemporary Christian song. However, even though Sarah loves God and honors Him through her work, her intent was to reach the hurting, broken, and lost, not to entertain the found. Instead of rambling on and on about this amazing song, I am blessed to have been able to interview Sarah about her new single, which I have been graciously allowed to publish here. So, don't take my word for it, hear about The Poison in Me from the artist herself!

(Q&A session begins below)

Elizabeth: Sarah, can you tell me about about your project, and your heart behind it?

Sarah: "After All" is my solo music project, which basically means that I do everything from writing the lyrics and music, performing what I've written (playing all of the instruments and doing all of the vocals; arranging the song structure), to production (mixing, mastering, editing, and crying). I also listen to my own music until I either hear angels singing or I hate it. Ha. Anyway, I wanted to start a band growing up but never had the opportunity to do it... so I tried for years multiple times to launch my own music as an independent artist. 

Those attempts flopped several times over. I never felt like I really had a message or a purpose for connecting with people. Then, life happened. After graduating high school, I went through two of the worst years of my life, including a battle with clinical depression, crippling anxiety, and even being suicidal...honestly, I lost myself in that. But I was still writing songs. I wrote my first single, "The Poison in Me" in one night, and I knew I finally found my message: to help other people who were going through the same pain I was and level with them without the Christian cliches and "feel good" stuff. That's what "After All" is about: being real, owning your story, and having the courage to tell it.

Elizabeth: That truly is a powerful testimony, you certainly understand and relate to those who are hurting similarly. What is your goal with After All beyond the release of The Poison in Me? Where do you see it going in the future?

Sarah: Honestly, I'd love to be a professional touring artist for a few years before settling down and starting a music school and recording studio where I can help other young musicians live their dream.

Elizabeth: That's incredibly impressive! What I find remarkable is that you don't simply want to make it big and bask in that fame; you want to help others who are hurting like yourself. What do you want to do with his school/ministry, and how do you see the poison in me jump-starting that?

Sarah: "The Poison in Me" was incredibly well received, which actually astounded me, and I think with the right marketing and advertising, it could reach a lot of people. It's already receiving some attention in the Christian rock industry around the U.S. which blows my mind. The song is also showing people what my skill set is. Not many people seem to take a 21-year-old female guitarist seriously... if anything, they assume I'm the next Taylor Swift wannabe. This song shows that not only do I have the ability to write and play metalcore, I can also produce. Hopefully those are talents that will translate to running a successful business. 

Elizabeth: You certainly have a very audacious talent! Especially since I've been on this journey with you for many years, I can personally attest to how far you've come. God has definitely given you the strength He knew you would need for the battles ahead. With that being said, what is the message of your upcoming album, and what are your goals for it? Did anything in particular inspire you, and what are your plans for The Poison in Me now, after such a successful release?

Sarah: I'm in the process of writing my first album, I've pretty much written all of the lyrics for the songs I want to include, the hard part now is just putting them to music. That's what's gonna take the most time. The message for it is going to be about recovery and resetting. Just like re-breaking a bone that doesn't heal correctly, the first half of the album is going to be intense, angsty, and dark, as I delve into my own pain, and try to identify with others. The second half is going to be more therapeutic- there will be lighter and more optimistic themes throughout.

This song if the first chapter of  story, and my album is the book. The whole point of my music is to come to terms with the plot twists in my life, and music and literature were two big things that helped. What really helped me process my emotions beside listening to (probably) unhealthy amounts of metalcore, was your (Elizabeth's) book series, and a particular scene that features the struggled of a character I identify with. This character basically goes through hell, and what he goes through is pretty much the metaphoric mirror of what depression feels like. It really gave me a way to cope, because I could make depression into something more tangible.

As far as what's next for "The Poison in Me", I can't say. That's really up to the people who enjoy it, who buy the song, buy the merch, who tell their friends and raise public awareness. 

Elizabeth: I am truly humbled that my story has impacted you in such a deep way, my heart's desire has always been to reach people from all walks of life, and encourage them through my character's stories. What I think is most intriguing is the open, honesty you communicate in your music. As you well know, I focus on such themes often on my blog, and my books. Not only are you refraining from sugar-coating depression and other battles we face, you also show that there is hope. How has your faith in God helped you through this journey, and shape your music?

Sarah: I was abused and hurt by members of the church, so if anyone had a reason to walk away from their faith, I did. I can empathize with people who have been mistreated by Christians. Thankfully I grew up understanding there was a difference between God and His followers...if I hadn't, I probably would have fallen headlong into carnality. For a while, I had a really hard time trusting God and won't lie that sometimes I still do. But overall my faith in Christ has carried me through.

Elizabeth: Faith is never an easy road, regardless of where you're from or what paths you have traversed in life. You had every reason and opportunity to turn away from the faith, and despite that, you didn't. I know you battled it...we all do. But God gives us the strength we need to fight our battles, no matter how great they may seem. We never are promised an easy road, but we are certainly promised victory, even if we can't see it right now. And speaking of that topic, if you were able to talk to a young fan, or even someone in our own age group who is hurting and questioning life; what would you say to them?

Sarah: If I were able to talk to a younger fan or a peer who was struggling, I wouldn't try to butter them up with platitudes about things "getting better" because if I were real, I'm still kind of a mess. But I would sit there with them and listen to them and help them find practical tools for living a life of purpose despite pain. Hurt destroyed my dream before it gave birth to it, and trials can bring out the worst and best in you. I want to be someone people can relate to, because I'm just like them, and I haven't arrived. We are all in this together.

Elizabeth: And because you've experienced this, and despite all the odds you are moving forward in your life, making music that is open, honest, and yet still shows a clear window to the saving grace of Christ, what would you say your underlying message is for your album? And in closing, how can people find your single, as well as where to learn more about you and your message? 

Sarah: My underlying message is it's never too late to recover, someone is never too far gone, and it's 100% okay as a Christian to be honest. I tried to take the approach of the Psalmists when crafting this album, which I'm hoping will be finished by early 2018. Those interested in purchasing "The Poison in Me" can find it on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. It is also on Spotify. You can find After All on Facebook and read more about the mission and ministry aspects of what I do. For anyone who would like to donate to After All, I recommend contacting me directly through my Facebook page for information on where donations go. After All seeks to not only be a music project, but a mental health movement, advocating awareness and treatment in the Christian community. Anyone can be an activist for change. 

Elizabeth: And that is just amazing, thank you so much for taking the time to share your heart, I pray continued success over you and your ministry!

(End interview)

As she so eloquently stated, Sarah has an amazing heart and vision; seeking out the hurt and helping them find healing through Christ. Her music is truly unique; I've often found inspiration for my own books through her lyrics and sweeping scores. I highly recommend her music, it is incredibly deep and insightful, as well as chocked full of raw talent.

Please check out this amazing single today, you won't regret it!

Here are links to purchase "The Poison in Me"!

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-poison-in-me-single/id1278153677

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/The-Poison-in-Me/dp/B07596RF4M/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1505275055&sr=8-8&keywords=the+poison+in+me

You can also check out After All's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/sarahafterall/

New Beginnings: A Poem

Wow, I can't believe that I'm already in my second week of classes! Time really does fly by...and in honor of the excitement I've felt and the desire to pursue my dreams, I wrote this poem entitled "New Beginnings". It's a challenge to live out your dreams, and to refuse to bow to mediocrity.

Who ever had the audacity,

To say that joy is impossible?

Such a statement is an atrocity,

To a heart that is unstoppable.

I don't want to write,

Another little rhyme.

But why can't I fight?

Is that such a crime?

Who told you to silence your tongue?

Why has society said they've had enough?

When was it such an error to be young?

Now passion is met with a flaming rebuff.

Who said you didn't have a voice?

Are they too afraid you'll say something right?

We're treated as if we don't have a choice,

When we really have an advantage in this fight.

But who wants to hear my perspective,

When they've already drawn their lines?

The enemy well knows his vile objective,

Don't believe you were born for the sidelines.

Sometimes it takes fire to burn the old,

A forest needs the ashes in order to grow.

Oh, what would happen if we're actually bold?

Eyes filled with fire, and hearts aglow?

Don't dig up the seedling for it's lack of leaves,

Before you're so quick to accept your ending.

Faith isn't easy, but God is with one who believes,

That an empty slate signifies a new beginning.

Dauntless: A New Kind of Book, and a New Poem!

I'm back to poetry, after being too busy to post any of them! I try to balance how many poems I post vs. other subjects and more traditional blogging, but any time God gives me a poem that I truly love, I want to share it! This particular one is entitled "Redemption's Song", and the inspiration is both drawn from my story world, and our own. It will be one of the poems in my small book of poems I'm going to publish, which will feature some of my favorite pieces over the past few years. 

The idea of actually publishing my poetry in book form is a fairly new concept for me, so this is bound to be a very intriguing journey. My poems aren't exactly considered 'normal' Christian works, not because I don't want to focus on the truth in God's Word, but I want to truly dig deep into the human heart and mind, and seek the truth from a far grittier lens. I feel that many people have either been hurt by the church, or their struggles largely misunderstood by Christians, and I don't want to add to that. I'm not condemning the church or saying that all Christians are like that, but I won't be in denial and foolishly state that such things don't occur. 

With that being said, I am titling my new book, "Dauntless: Musings of a Fierce Mind". It won't be terribly big, and I'm planning on placing a small description alongside each poem, where I will share my heart as to why I wrote each piece the way I did, and so on. There will be many poems in the book that I have not previously posted, and will follow a small themed narrative. Who knows, maybe I'll even add some art if Createspace will allow it! This will be a self-published work, and something I'm releasing solely of my own accord. I will be posting regular updates on Dauntless's publishing process, as well as sneak peeks regarding cover art and interior design. 

I truly hope that you will want to come along this journey with me, because I certainly can't wait to share my heart through the lovely art of written word! Without further ado, here is "Redemption's Song"!

Onward, we ride fearless into our destiny, 

So young, hearts burning oh so bright. 

Into the night so dark we cannot see,

Untouched by the wars and the blight...

Dauntless, we chase what we cannot find,

We strive to grasp the legends and the lies.

The stories and expectations in our minds,

Of a vile battle that we strive to despise, 

Fearful, when we face the realization,

That life fails to be a grand bed of roses. 

Then we encounter great trepidation, 

To fight that evil that so mightily opposes. 

Tested, we stand at the edge of the chasm, 

That our choices, for good or ill, will bring. 

Emotions and hearts a conflicted spasm,

As we try to hold to the truths of our King.

Questioning, we begin to feel the doubt, 

That creeps inside our ragged hearts. 

Desperate to fight it, we scream and shout, 

As we fight to dodge the enemy's darts. 

Learning, we long to see, to understand, 

What poisons our hearts and our souls. 

Can we ever bring healing to this land?

Can we discover the hidden loopholes?

Healing, as we limp forward with a prayer, 

That someday, our bodies and hearts will mend. 

Eyes fixed on the horizon, for a savior, 

To fix the bloodied errors we've penned.

A New Semester, New Beginnings!

Hello all! I apologize for the brief hiatus, as I was moving back to Liberty University for the fall semester (yay!), and after all the moving in, unpacking, finding my classes, etc, I'm finally back to writing!

Already, God has answered so many of my prayers, and has truly blessed this semester. And to think, it's only been about a week, and I've already stepped into an environment that fits me like a glove. The day I first set foot on this university, I had experienced an overwhelming grace. Once again, I feel that grace, and I'm so grateful for God's love and His wisdom, planting me exactly where He wanted me to be. 

I'll be the first to admit that last semester wasn't the best. Actually, it was the first real major challenge I have encountered in my three years of college. It was a time of trials and change, and even though it wasn't all bad, it certainly wasn't comfortable in any meaning of the word. Despite this, I truly believe that God was teaching me to trust Him, even when nothing made sense at all. In the midst of changing my major, struggling in a class, and feeling very alone; He slowed me His unfailing love. 

Now, I'm back at it again, and this time, I don't even have to worry about the future. God holds my future in His hands, and no matter what trials lay ahead, I know He is equipping me with the strength and knowledge to get through it. I'm sure that I will indeed face challenges ahead, and honestly that's okay, because I believe that trials will further shape me and help me grow stronger! 

Right now, I don't know exactly where I'm going, but I trust that God is directing my steps. I truly pray that everyone reading this finds hope through my testimony, because I'm not talking about myself to bring glory to my name. That belongs solely to God, and I am so thankful for all He has done, and all He will do. 

No matter where you are in life, or what you're fighting, don't ever stop pushing forward. Just when you think you've given your all, God is there to renew your strength! I've found that just when you feel like you're falling into a chasm of purposelessness, that is when God gives you wings like an eagle's, and teaches you to soar. 

Regression: A Poem in the light of the Charlottesville Tragedy

I wrote this poem after the chaotic events of Charlottesville, Va, in an attempt to give word to the pain and anger I've felt regarding the situation. It may not be as encouraging or hopeful as most of my poems are, but I feel it gives voice to the frustrations of many, as well as the anger I've felt regarding the loss of life, and terror that this nightmare has caused. I pray that the truth will be revealed, and that the enemy's schemes will stumble and fall. When we the people become blinded by rage and hate, what good can we truly accomplish? May God help us see this. 

I'm treading on this type-rope of my life,

I confess my actions are sometimes wrong.

Like balancing my hopes on a razor sharp knife,

I promise you'll miss me when I'm gone.

Don't think twice, just justify your actions,

They were going to be wrong anyway.

Can't you see unity splitting into factions,

It isn't long until your whole plan caves.

What were you even trying to prove?

With this bloodied mass facade? 

Get 'em all in step, but can they move,

Under the masks of your traitorous parade?

Blinded, stumbling, singing allegiance, 

Crumbling, bleeding, losing hope.

Fighting for nothing despite their grievance,

All the while tying their own rope.

Darkness swallows the silent screams,

In the end, your actions fade to black.

Your vindictive plots are tearing at the seams,

Helpless, no one can ever mend the crack.

Your words, they cannot break me,

Even when a thousand fall beside. 

Regardless, I have already been set free,

From the sickness that tore me inside.

Your lies can only feed the sheep,

Who blindly follow deception.

What can wake them from their sleep?

Lost, in a war of vile inception.

I pray that light shall be shed,

On this scramble of hatred and rage.

For in vain, have the heroes bled?

Oh God, bring healing to this age! 

I'm treading on this type-rope of my life,

I confess my actions are sometimes wrong.

Like balancing my hopes on a razor sharp knife,

I promise you'll miss me when I'm gone.