A Backslider's Lament

As I was going through some papers from our last move to Sedona Arizona, I came across a poem written by my mother that was submitted to a magazine or district publication by my brother Joe. I thought I would publish the poem here.

Backslider's Lament

Oh, would that I had never slipped

While traveling on Christ's narrow way;

That I had spurned old Satan's lies

And kept my garments pure that day.

Now there's nothing more. Alas,

All hope for me I know is gone.

For I had tasted Heaven's gift,

Then yielded to temptation's wrong.

In the end there's nothing left -

Repentance I have sought with tears -

But sorrows's lonely hopelessness,

On and on, throughout the years.

Oh Lord., if this will help to thwart

The wicked snares that Satan lays -

That some lost soul will recognize,

Make right the error of his ways

By turning to thee, Oh blessed Lord,

Confessing all his scarlet sin,

Cry out! "Have mercy on me, Oh God!

Oh save me from that awful hour,

Cleanse my soul from all its dross:

Fill me with thy healing power 

So that I'll ne'er suffer loss."

If such a thing should happen, Lord,

I'd thank Thee from my very heart.

Oh, would, Dear Lord, that I had kept

My garment spotless from the start.

The following was written by my brother Joe when he submitted the poem for publication;

"This poem  was written by my mother years ago, in a time in her life when she had failed God, backslid into sin, and was in deep despair spiritually. For many years she felt that she could never return to God. But in her old age the Lord graciously reached through her deep self-condemnation and re-filled her with His Spirit, and restored her to the joy of knowledge of sins forgiven. 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Submitted by Joseph Dinwiddie"

The above was sent to me on 9-30-1981. Both my mother and my brother Joe have since gone on to their reward. I believe with all my heart that they are now with the Lord. Let me say in conclusion that if you have failed God in your walk with Him, do not despair, ask the Lord Jesus for God's forgiveness. "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God will forgive you your sins! Do not delay, do it today!