My first favorite poem--

Was written by the American missionary Betty Stam. I read a book on her and her husband Johns' lives. I found some of her poetry conveyed many of the same feelings I have about my faith in God. I suppose the one that stuck with me all these years was the poem she entitled, "my testimony."

To me it said what I feel to be true in my Christan walk. When people say that it is too hard to be a Christan because____ fill in the blank, I always think of this poem.

My Testimony --Betty Stam

And shall I fear
That there is anything that men hold dear
Thou wouldst deprive me of,
And nothing give in place?
That is not so –
For I can see Thy face
And hear Thee now:
"My child, I died for thee.
And if the gift of love and life
You took from Me,
Shall I one precious thing withhold –
One beautiful and bright,
One pure and precious thing withhold?
My child, it cannot be."


You see? I miss nothing.