A Tribute to You

To Pastor Margaret Watkins From Sister Lilla E. Green

Love is not straitened
In my bowels today.
I feel a quiet surge
Of words to say —
Speak on — dear Pastor
From within your soul,
Speak on — from the abundance
Let the words roll.
They heal — they soothe —
They cause ignorance to move,
Speak on and unveil,
What is hidden from man —
So we too may see
God's wonderful plan —
Speak on — and reprove,
Speak on — and upbraid, When you form your words, God comes to our aid.
Your lips are His means To reveal what He feels Grateful souls — Want nothing concealed.
The Word of God implanted in you. Comes right on time
Just when it is due.
Never out of season.
Are the messages spoken. Your words are the sceptre, Your words are the token.
Divinely commissioned, Line upon line --
You humbly allow -- God's emotions to shine.
Whether pleasure or fiery —
but righteous indignation
You loyally convey,
God's express conversation.

So --
Speak on -- dear Pastor,
After God's own heart,
Seeing the end,
Right from the start.

Unswerving loyalty
To God and to you,
Is just a measure
Of what you are due.

Keep on ignoring
Expressions of gloom,
Forge on ahead
Prophesy our 'doom.'

Love dominates
Every fiber of your speech,
When all has been said,
When all has been done,
The love of God in us --
Urges you to speak on.

So out of the bowels of my very own soul --
Pours forth expression of gratitude whole...
Whole
and
entire
My feelings of love.
Originating from --
God above.

Hope in me
Is springing alive,
Through the God in you --
I do abide.

Faith bears me on,
As your words unfold,
Keep speaking forth --
Brave and bold!!!

A reward awaits --
It's packaged and planned
Being willing to speak --
At His every command.

This is pleasing to God
And His love dictates,
A just reward
For your estate.

This praise is comely
Humble and true,
It proceeds from my depths,
It's from me to you.