Rhyming Passion: A Journey... From Chains to Freedom

By Gary Dotson

Gary Dotson is "the unlikely poet." Open and see these unique anointed writings of how true grit has met true grace in this man's life. A good heart shines out of his rough edges to inspire and encourage. Gary doesn't pretend to be super spiritual but expresses his simple but powerful faith in Jesus Christ through common language that happens to rhyme. He hopes you or someone you love can find deeper meaning in life through these poems. Gary wants young men and women to see the light and miss some wrong turns that he has made in his life. He shares a hope for unity between all believers in these rough last days. Miracles shine forth in many of these poems to encourage you to reach out and receive yours. Please read Rhyming Passion: A Journey... From Chains to Freedom and pass it on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645693628

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Rhyming

Passion

A Journey... From Chains to Freedom

Gary Dotson

ISBN 978-1-64569-361-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64569-362-8 (digital)

Copyright © 2019 by Gary Dotson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version.

Printed in the United States of America

Gary - 1971 with Ann (high school girlfriend and present wife of 40 years.)

Introduction

I hope you enjoy and find meaning in this collection of poems written over the past thirty-five years. God knows my heart’s desire is to glorify Him and to encourage others to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior in a rough world.

In the late ’60s and early ’70s, as an athlete in a small school, it seemed at times anything other than sports was not cool (at least not in my little world). Singing and such a thing as poetry would be ridiculed of myself and my peers as sissy stuff.

From my early teen years up to my late twenties, I became entangled in a wild sinful lifestyle of alcohol, lust, and fast-living in general. Like the prodigal son in the Bible, I came to myself and realized there must be a better way of life. I accepted Jesus into my heart and began a new journey towards peace and happiness. I have been, and continue to be, a work in progress.

One day, I felt a calling to write poetry, expressing my inner feelings. No matter what my past negative ideas about poetry had been, I submitted to the fact that God can use me any way He chooses. I have shared these poems from time to time in church services and special occasions. Now at sixty-four years old, I’m taking a faith step to write this book.

I know because of my faults, insecurities, and weakness, these poems are nothing within myself. I don’t even try to understand how or why the Holy Spirit has anointed them for His glory. I humbly ask you to listen to the Lord as you read these words.

Thank you.

Coming to Know Jesus

Lonely Faces in Crowded Places

I saw lonely faces in crowded places where I often used to go.

I was searching for something, but what? I didn’t know.

Like others, l was looking in this world for happiness, I just could not find.

I found worldly excitement, but I needed peace of mind.

I thought a full life was a fast life, so I lived mine at full speed.

I could surround myself with people, but I still felt a need.

A need for deeper meaning in living from day to day,

A need for peace of mind, that would never go away.

Jesus Christ became the meaning for my life the day He saved my soul.

I have found peace of mind by giving Him control.

He helped me to see after being blind for so long,

That searching for truth in this world is wrong.

I still see lonely faces in crowded places as I live from day to day.

I wish everyone could realize Jesus is the Truth, Jesus is the Life, Jesus is the Way.

His Own Hero

He was his own hero, growing up in a little country town.

Never wanting for attention because people were always around.

He tried to be good at worldly things, they came easy for him in his youth.

This made him popular and he never wondered about life’s deeper truth.

Popularity was exciting, as he got caught up trying to win the games of life.

He was feeling so strong, and he knew he could handle any strife.

He was on his way to really be something or somebody one day.

He had dreams that no one could take away.

Then he went to college and left that little town.

Suddenly he found he wasn’t the only big shot around.

There were better ball players who drove a faster car.

Worldly heroes were a dime a dozen both near and far.

So he went back home to that little home town,

Only to find new younger heroes all around.

Kids who may