Training Camp Chronicles: A New Family
I have been having writers block like crazy everyone so I’m sorry this is so late. There’s just so much that went on at training camp and I’ve been still processing. I tried three days in a row while at training camp to blog, but couldn’t do it. Finally I asked God to speak His words through me and this poem was born. It’s funny because normally I find poetry writing a daunting and painful task and never sit down intending to write one, but in this case God seemed to speak pretty loudly so I had to write it down.
Since I’ve written about 4 or 5 poems in my life, this poem might need a little explanation. It is about the process of our squad becoming a family surrounded by God’s truth. The events involved are;
1. The start of camp where my heart’s worship was unleashed in a joyful sound
2. Our squad meeting for the first time and starting to grow with each other
3. The main speaker softly and gently leading us to the feet of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit by declaring that chains were to be broken. Chains involved past hurts, addictions, lies, etc.
4. Our squad leaving the Training Camp site to go and Camp together with limited supplies to learn how to ration food, set up bedding, and worship God “S” squad style. The worship session ended up leading into a time where the men surrounded the women to declare loudly and in sync truths about who they are namely Princesses of the king! Lovely just the way you are! A rare and beautiful flower! Perfectly loved by a perfect lover! etc. It was awesome! Then then women went to the outside and started declaring truths about the men namely, True men of God! Leaders whom we will follow and support! Protectors of us! etc. What an honor! This was a huge highlight of my week. Many tears were shed. Enjoy the poem.
“I DO DECLARE A BOND TO BE MADE”
by Brooks Elliott (a poem about training camp #1)
Oh God! Abba God! Send down your sweet love!
I declare this day your truth from above
Glory! Glory! a bond to be made
I came to camp to embark on God’s campaign.
The Holy Spirit grew whilst mine go fade
I screamed allowed and magnified Your name
Our squad woke up on a brilliant day
to breathe, love and learn how to truly play.
Our hearts molding together becoming all in one
founding solely on our father’s joy to kill his son.
Spiritual formation and breaking down walls
was lead by Michael Hines to help free us all.
Our lives once lived in vein contemplation
now made manifest in freedom’s personification.
Oh God! Abba God! Send down your sweet love!
I declare this day your truth from above
“S” squad October year two-thousand ten
begins a journey into something never to end
A bond of love would surround our team
as we camped together under the moonlit gleam
Prior to bed us men circled around
the girls on our squad “freedom will be found!”
Prayers of love and truth powerfully abound
as their identities in Christ were proclaimed found
Switch! Now ladies outside, men to be contained
We were now in the middle they brought encouragement rain!
Such a sweet sound of family becoming one
our voices screamed loud as our journey has just begun
Oh God! Abba God! Send down your sweet love!
I declare this day your truth from above
I can’t wait to share this year with this family
more stories will come if you read…
