Betty Spence, Poet Laureate for Hugh's News Dear Lord, help me run
the Christian race
in such a way
as to win a crown
that unlike a festive garland
of laurel leaves
will hardly last the day.
Lord of runners and contests,
help me go all out
for the mastery of the one prize
whose crowning achievement
is eternal life.
Betty Spence
the Christian race
in such a way
as to win a crown
that unlike a festive garland
of laurel leaves
will hardly last the day.
Lord of runners and contests,
help me go all out
for the mastery of the one prize
whose crowning achievement
is eternal life.
Betty Spence
[Editor's Comment: As I read and composed Betty Spence's poem from her book, Daystar--Reflections, Prayers and Poems, I thought of two Scriptures: Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." And . . . John 17:3, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (NIV).
Betty Spence earned a B. A. degree in 1978 from the University of South Alabama as a mature student. During post-graduate studies at USA she studied poetry with Dr. Sue B. Walker, Alabama Poet Laureate emeritus. Spence has had over poems in secular and religious publications. Her poetry books include Reading Sentences, a chapbook of Pen Pal Poetry written with Bettye K. Wray, and Pinned-on Wings (Timberline Press (2004).
Betty Spence earned a B. A. degree in 1978 from the University of South Alabama as a mature student. During post-graduate studies at USA she studied poetry with Dr. Sue B. Walker, Alabama Poet Laureate emeritus. Spence has had over poems in secular and religious publications. Her poetry books include Reading Sentences, a chapbook of Pen Pal Poetry written with Bettye K. Wray, and Pinned-on Wings (Timberline Press (2004).