The Minstrel Boy

The Minstrel Boy to the war has gone,
in the ranks of death you'll find him.

His father's sword he has girded on,
his wild harp slung behind him.

'Land of Song!' cried the warrior bard,
'though all the world betrays thee!'

'one sword, at least, they right shall guard,
one faithful harp shall praise thee!'

The minstrel fell but the foeman's chain
couldnt bring his proud soul under.

The harp he loved never spoke again
for he tore its strings asunder.

And said, ' no chains shall sulley thee,
thou soul of love and bravery!

'Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
they will never dwell in slavery!'

The name sake for the site. sort of. This gives me a chance to explain and post some sketches Ive been wanting to post for a while.

The song above is beautiful and the first time I heard it, it started the seeds for this story idea that Ive been playing with and have provided a few sketches of.

Here is a lovely version of the song sung by Paul Robeson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8jlCedM-cE

The song, if im not mistaken, is an irish folk song telling of a young soldier who tirelessly fights for freedom and makes a great sacrifice. The song is commonly sung at police and fireman funerals, again, if im not mistaken.

Though I dont think it has any overtly Christian connection, the minute I heard it, it reminded me of comparisons the Bible uses between a soldier and a Christian. The image of a gangley boy in in tattered armor began to appear. The song always makes me think of him.

original (i think) sketch of 'the Minstrel Boy'
with his 'harp'

trying to reach another platoon or his Commander, with no luck

The story (still developing) is about the boy as he maintains his post in a deserted area where he has seen no action for a expended period of time and how he deals with that. There are many oppurtunities in the story to talk about calling, fear, lonliness and, hopefully, what it means to be a Christian (soldier) ultimately led by a Commander who knows what He's doing even when we think He doesn't.

Had a few moments this weekend of dealing with the life before me from which this story will draw many influences. There is a lonliness associated with my life theses days. some of it has to do with decisions Ive made and some of it just comes as a part of living with an elderly invalid as part of a small expended family. it feels like I'm holding a forsaken post trying to reach out on a walkie talkie and not getting a response. I dont deal with it well alot. Thank God that He and His grace are there. But, to be honest, it's hard. Life is hard :).

God provides, His word gives me comfort, prayer reminds me that I am not alone and that I am in his presence and I am staying busy drawing and am looking forward to work oppurtunities in the next week, but life is hard. :)

Also, have been blessed with a couple of Bible teaching oppurtunities that came, to me, out of nowhere. again, blessed. I had kinda thought that God had given up on me with that one. Have to remember that there is an enemy that does not want that work to be done and to move on and "Be Stong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus." which ties it even more to the 'minstel boy' stories. :)

I heard the Saviour say,

"thy strength indeed is small"

"Child of weakness, watch and pray

find in Me thine all in all."

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow.