Monday, February 28, 2011

Oscar--lest we forget!

I watched the Oscars last night. The glitz and glamour were missing ONE thing....God. Not one acceptance speech (at least that was aired) gave any recognition to a Higher Being. Coincidence?

I didn't know this until tonight, but the phrase "Lest we forget" comes from a poem written by Rudyard Kipling (circa 1897) called, "Recessional". In light of the Oscars I found Mr. Kipling's poem quite appropriate...(italics added for emphasis):

God of our fathers, known of old—
Lord of our far-flung battle line—
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies—
The Captains and the Kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away—
On dune and headland sinks the fire—
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe—
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard—
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!
Amen.

Coincidence?

4 comments:

Lacey said...

Shan...I love you girl. This poem is amazing and completely true. I struggle to find a way to express my disappointment in the ways of the world...thanks for verbalizing some of my thoughts! You are amazing girl!

Jessie said...

Whoa, that's a good one. See, you're looking like an intellectual already!

Thanks for sharing. We skipped the Oscars altogether this year - we were trying to choose a dang house.

Allison said...

You amaze me Shanna! I didn't even think of that. . .but you're so right!

Shanna said...

I shouldn't take all the credit because Dad is the one that pointed it out...I did find the poem though :)