"EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS"

“EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS”


TODAY I GAVE TO THE HOMELESS
AND ALTHOUGH MY GIFT WAS SMALL
I KNOW THAT GIVING A LITTLE
IS BETTER THAN NOTHING AT ALL

EVERYONE NEEDS HELP SOMETIME
WE ALL KNOW THIS IS TRUE
TO GIVE A SMALL DONATION
IS THE LEAST THAT WE CAN DO
AMEN?


By Benjamin L. Graham
12-17-10
benjagram@gmail.com

NEVER SAY NEVER !

NEVER SAY NEVER

Under the bridges and there in the woods
Too many will call it their home

Over and over from shelter to shelter
Living one’s life on the roam

Struggling, crying, and sometimes dying
Wishing to have a new start

I’ve had a change in attitude
And thus a change in heart

I once looked down on the homeless
I was blind but now I see

BUT for the grace of God…
That homeless one could be me

So today I’ll make a donation
And perhaps tomorrow too

For I’m not sure I’ll never need a helping hand
Are you?
*

By
Benjamin L. Graham
12-13-10
benjagram@gmail.com

"MAY BE GONE TOMORROW"

MAY BE GONE TOMORROW
We all know people who missed the moment, and their lives are full of sorrow
Because, they didn’t enjoy what’s here today… and gone tomorrow

We ourselves both me and you… regret some things we didn’t do

Rushing through our lifetime at a pace that makes us dizzy
Passing up important moments… because we are too busy

We haven’t learned it is not a crime, to stop a moment… take some time

To call our family members who may not be felling well…
To stop and smell a rose or you’ll forget how roses smell

Deliver out those hugs… that you haven’t given yet…
So you don’t end up wishing for a hug you didn’t get

Stop putting off the visits and stop putting off those calls
Instead put off the “Later-on” that has you by the … “thingies”

Doing something “Later-on” can leave you with a sorrow
For who you ought to call today… … may be gone tomorrow

Time is not a guarantee… This, tomorrow may not be

Who knows what the future holds… enjoy someone today
Hug them, kiss them, shake their hand, before they go away

Check your social garden daily... Find out what it needs
Were so busy looking for the fruit… we don’t see the weeds

Ask yourself this question friend, “Am I enjoying life?”
“Do I hug the kids and often kiss the husband or the wife?”

“Do I take time out to laugh and play… Do I take time out for fun?”
“Do I realize the Joy of the Lord is meant for everyone?”

Ecclesiastes 3 says there’s a time for everything
There is some time in everyday for us to smile and sing

Find that time… enjoy that time… I’m urging you to look
Enjoying life is meant for us… it’s written in the book

Everything around us, friends, is placed there for a reason
Enjoy all God has given you, it’s there … for just a season

The things in nature… family… friends enjoy them all… today
For at their given time we know that each… will pass away

Don’t let that time surprise you friends… and leave you full of sorrow
For what/who we can embrace today… may be gone tomorrow. AMEN?

By Benjamin L. Graham 12-29-10 benjagram@gmail.com

-I FIND MYSELF THE HOST-

I FIND MYSELF THE HOST


Living life to socialize but living by myself
With all those social skills collecting dust upon the shelf
I love my independence, which I thought to cherish most
But of another day alone, I FIND MYSELF THE HOST

When I struggled with the family life, and thought to leave my spouse
Because we lived “alone but yet together” in one house
We both endured a lonely life, the intimacy was gone
The only thing we talked about… was each one moving on

Our house was not a home… it was just a lonely place
I remember being anxious… to get out of that space
I remember looking forward… to being on my own
But I find myself the host again of another night alone

I am busy in the mornings… I am active through the day
Indeed God is my company and with thankfulness I pray
His grace has been sufficient… keeping strongholds on the shelf
So when I lay me down to sleep, I do so by myself

But there is something missing, and I miss it very much
I miss that human being that is there for me to touch
I cannot be factitious; I would like to have a mate
I realize, I must start off… with just a simple date

Until this person comes along who shares this mutual thought
Who is willing to let God decide… if we should or not
I will hold on to my principles of which I cannot boast
And let God remove this loneliness… Where I FIND MYSELF THE HOST




By
Benjamin L. Graham
benjagram@gmail.com
1-1-11

Choose Christ

GOD GIVES US WAYS TO PAY OUR DUES
HE GIVES US GIFTS FOR US TO USE

HE GIVES US CHOICE SO WE CAN CHOOSE
IF WE CHOOSE CHRIST..WE CANNOT LOSE
AMEN

GOD IS GOOD


I used to live the party life
And I didn’t want to change
I wanted to live a righteous life
But to me that life was strange

You see, I liked my alcohol
And I used to love my drugs
I wasn’t going to give them up
In spite of all your… hugs

My family and friends, they knew for sure
What I was all about
Time and time and time again
They tried to help me out

I just didn’t want to stop
And do the things I should
So they just kept on praying for me…
Knowing God is good

Years and years and years went by
I was caught up in my mess
Causing those who loved me tears
And much unhappiness

Always drinking…sometimes stinking
Still I wouldn’t quit
Up all day and out all night
Trying to find a hit

Planning, scheming, searching, patting
Looking on the floor
Selling stuff and doing things
Just to get … one more

I had to have my drink …or drug
I had to get my “high”
Some of you have been there too!
Can you identify?



Well friends I’m here to tell you,
Let this be understood
No matter what you’re going through
The God we serve is good

He waited for me patiently
For me to change my ways
He knew one day I’d wake up
And live out better days

“LONGSUFFERING”; the bible says
And no one is above Him
He waits and waits and waits and waits
And waits for us to love Him

It took me over forty years
To wake up from the dead
How long will it take for YOU
To get this through your head

That GOD is watching over you
You have to understand
He’s keeping you around my friends
Because He has a plan

He has given you a special skill
At something you’re a whiz
He has a special job for you
Find out what it is!

I know it isn’t easy
To change the way we think
I know it’s hard to pass up
That favorite drug or drink

But God is there to help you
To pull you out of the rut
Just keep your faith in Jesus Christ
Believe… No Matter What!




Believe that you are not alone
Take time to “knock on wood”
In case you didn’t know it…
It means that “GOD IS GOOD!”

I used to struggle every day
Trying to get my groove on
Then the spirit came alive in me
And said it’s time to MOVE on

All my friends I had to leave
I knew that they were wrong
Only God could help me
And I knew it all along

I had to stay away from those
I knew were getting high
I tried to do it by myself
(I knew that was a lie)

So I prayed for God to help me
And I prayed it from my heart
I prayed for Him to change my thoughts
(That’s where it has to start)

Look at Romans 12 and 2
It’s there that you will find
It says “But be ye transformed…
By the renewing of your mind

God had to change my thinking
My flesh had me enthralled
“Help me Lord get through this”
To Jesus Christ I called

Believe me, God will clean you up
And change the things you do
If He can change a wretch like me,
He’ll do the same for you

He has given me a new life
When I thought it was too late
He has given me new friendships
With whom I can relate

My attitude is different now
I don’t worry about “police”
He took away my fears
And replaced them with His PEACE

He took my drinks and took my drugs
And put them on the shelf
He has been far better to me
Than I’ve been to myself

No! we’re not infallible
Indeed we make mistakes
But we pray and ask forgiveness
For we know that what it takes

In spite of imperfections,…
We can still get close to God
He loves us in our sinfulness
Please don’t find that… odd

God has blessed me “fruitfully”
And He wants you all to see
That He is also there for you
As He has been for me

I stand here now before you
As a WITNESS... and I should!
Let’s give Him Praise and Glory
… THE GOD WE SERVE IS GOOD!


GOD IS GOOD! … GOD IS GOOD!

GOD IS GOOD! … GOD IS GOOD!


By
Benjamin L. Graham
4-24-10
benjagram@gmail.com




“I’M YOUR FRIEND” Pg.1

Dear friend,

A line or two to let you know… My Dad and I, we love you so
Were reaching out to draw you in… Because we know you need a friend

Please know you can depend on me… To help you reach prosperity
You know my Dad is a millionaire… Who gives me all, for us to share

If only you will just believe… There are many blessings you’ll receive
If life should catch you in a storm… I’ll keep you safe, and keep you warm

No matter what you come to need… Just let me know and I’ll give indeed
If you have sickness, tell me so… For I’m a doctor too! You know
…And… I’M YOUR FRIEND!

I’ll fix you up and make you well… If you believe I can, I shall!
My Father taught me all the ways… To turn your storms to brighter days

But there’s something He wants you to do… Read His book and believe it’s true
Learn of Him, and Me…His Son… (We’ve been around since time begun)

We’ve seen it all, you are no surprise… I see the doubt that’s in your eyes
There are some things you would like to change… I‘ve been there too, so it isn’t strange

I know it’s hard to turn around… When satin has you chained and bound
To things that no one knows about… Of course I know without a doubt
…I’M YOUR FRIEND!

Sometimes you hurt because of life… Some of your days are full of strife
The life you live is not so great… You do some things I know you hate…

You still say things you shouldn’t say… and maybe lie to have your way
You still do things you shouldn’t do… But I still have much Love for you

This world is putting you through hell… You need to change, can’t you tell
That is why I wrote this letter… I want to see you feeling better
PG.2


Moving on and walking tall… Confident, defects and all
There is no better time than now… Walk with me and I’ll show you how

I am the friend that you can trust… Believe in me..You Can… You must!
Please stop! And hear! Don’t pass me by… You’ve tried the world, give me a try!

I know the way, so take my hand… Step out on faith, I have a plan
Give me and Dad more of your time… And I promise you that “up” you’ll climb
…I’M YOUR FRIEND!

You will grow learn, and learn and grow… I’ll teach you things you couldn’t know
I’ll have you smiling every day… If you’ll let me show you the way

You know that God makes no mistakes… True friendships are the ones He makes
Believe He has a job for you… Unlike the things you used to do

Just tell somebody how you feel… and let them know our God is real
Help somebody, speak your voice… Tell them Jesus is your choice

He wants for you to tell your story… All who hear will give Him GLORY
Study … Pray… be Ordained… Forsake the life that once was stained

Soon you’ll be in prime position… to exercise the great commission
Then teach somebody what you’ve learned… Help worldly ways be overturned

It doesn’t matter what you face… we’ll keep the devil in his place
He’s under you! … So stick with me… I’ll truly, truly set you free

My Father loves you very much… And so do I … Please keep in touch
All your troubles we can mend… Just don’t forget that… I’M YOUR FRIEND

WITH ALL MY LOVE,

JESUS

Benjamin Graham

The Prison Effect

There I was in my mid 50s and still living life as if I were a teenager. I was caught up in a lifestyle of drugs, sex, beautiful women, and their prerequisite…money. Things hadn’t changed much over the last four decades: Teetering back and forth between the church and the streets seemed to be my permanent lifestyle. Choosing to remain in line with my conscience (which always steered me in the right direction) was a decision that forever escaped me. I needed only to think about some pretty lady, or to see what I thought was a transaction taking place, or to acknowledge someone who even looked like they wanted what I was able to get, and I was well on my way in that direction.
Having been to jail over a dozen times was not a strong enough deterrent to keep me from seeking the pleasures that I should have outgrown 25 years prior. Even with prison time hanging over my head I continued in my folly and refused to seriously change. However, the last time I was arrested (again drug related) I knew that I was going to prison for the first time.
When the Judge sentenced me to 21 months in an Ohio State Correctional Facility, a dark realization came over me. Thinking to myself; “Here I am almost 60 years of age with a good education and lots of employable skills, but on my way to prison, not jail… prison!” This was a consequence of not wanting to “grow up!” Sitting there waiting for the bus to load up, I looked around at the other men waiting to “ride out”. As far as I could tell I was the oldest one in the bunch. They came and handcuffed us together arm-in-arm as if we were walking down the aisle to be married. That’s what they call it too “The Marriage”. We stayed that way (arm-in-arm) until we arrived at the Central Receiving Center (CRC).

Pg.2
Benjamin Graham

We were un-cuffed at CRC and stripped naked (again) while they took a good look inside of us to make sure we didn’t smuggle anything in. They gave us a change of clothes (blue clothes that didn’t fit unless you were very fortunate), fed us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit and kool-aid, and then marched us off to a cell block. The correctional officers were very nasty: They treated you as if you were less than human and I truly believe they were trained to be that way. The cells had a very different smell to me—not a stinky smell but a different smell, unlike any I had ever sensed before.
It was there, in that cell at CRC that I made a decision to change my life. I knew that if I did not change while in prison, I would never change on the outside. I did not hear an audible voice from heaven saying; “Change or die Benjamin!”, but inside of me…in my heart I knew that God was speaking to me through my situation. I knew that I had to grow form this experience toward Him. It was then that I wrote the poem “While I’m Here” (included), which expresses a determination to leave prison a different man. That is when I began to immerse myself in the processes of change. Like most of us, I was raised to know right from wrong. My parents had given me a great start in understanding the bible, and that was my guide to becoming a very different man. As I began to pray diligently, on a regular basis, things began to happen inside of me that I found to be exciting: The anxiety of what to expect from those around me diminished, I no longer worried about the negative attitudes of the other inmates or the prison guards, and there was a sense of peace that remained with me through it all (and is still with me today). Many scriptures in the bible began to stand out as I “studied to show myself approved.” “Considering my ways” became an ongoing theme, and seeing “God’s way as being the only profitable way” began to make real sense. Feeling the Spirit of God with me as “a very present help in time of need” was all that I needed to get through each day.
Pg.3
Benjamin Graham
When television was finally made available to me, I found that the programs that were once of interest to me were no longer appealing. The almost “X” rated movies, and sitcoms, and soap operas were not good for me. Why? Because I like them, but they remind me of where I do not want to go back to. I especially avoided the porno magazines, and the deluge of nude photos floating all over the prison. For most guys it was okay: A little visual stimulation can help make time seem not so bad. But for me, it was a no-no. I had to practice denying myself.
Each time I had gone to jail in the past, I couldn’t wait to get out. I impatiently looked forward to getting back to what I missed to most… my old self. It was not about to happen again. The familiar places, the familiar people, and the familiar things had taken their last toll on my life. The problem was in my thinking; therefore, my mind had to be renewed. The daily bible studies convinced me that the stale bread of drinking and drugging and the spoiled meat of hustling and dealing were no longer to be included in my appetite. Graduating to a wholesome diet of spiritual and physical nutrition as a way of life had to have top priority. The determination to become different; stronger, wiser and better than I had ever been before was overwhelming.
That determination prompted me to enroll in Urbana University (the branch located at the prison facility). This was very an important step in the right direction for me (as it is for any prisoner). I found that I really enjoyed learning. I earned 22 transferable credit hours and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Realizing that I was still able to learn and grow and do well in school has everything to do with why I am here attending Columbus State today. I prayed asking God to open my mind and enable me to absorb what was being taught. It was also my prayer (and still is) that outside influences don’t interfere with my attitude of learning. Things that go on behind prison walls can be very influential. Things that go on outside of prison can be even more influential. However, I am convinced that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Pg.4
Benjamin Graham
Without my prayer life, I doubt that I would be able to maintain the necessary focus it takes to put fleshly desires on the shelf and live in the “right spirit”.
I have been celibate since the day before I was arrested nearly three years ago…by choice. I chose to stay away from drugs, alcohol, sexual encounters and the street life even after my release from prison six months ago with God’s help. Practicing abstinence was not a part of my plan, but I believe it is a part of God’s plan for me. I would not be able to devote nearly as much time to my education and spiritual growth if I had someone I “enjoyed” being with that required (or demanded) much of this necessary study time. Do I like being single? No! But for now I believe it to be the best thing for me. I look at life much differently now. The children I fathered (whom I don’t know) are now coming into my life. I communicate with them on a regular basis these days. This is a very big thing. I have also been back behind the prison walls on two occasions as a visitor, encouraging and inspiring the men to change while they are there. (I look forward to going back each time the opportunity is presented).
Living in my own apartment, going to college striving to do well, reading my poetic creations regularly at various meeting places, putting together a newsletter at the request of a new friend (who wants to finance it), sitting at home creating new works on a new computer that someone blessed me with, having an occasional bad moment but never a bad day: All of these “blessings” that I now enjoy are the result of a change in direction that I determined to make one day in a prison cell. They are some of the benefits of my new lifestyle which embraces change.
As we grow in life shouldn’t we all change? If not, we will remain the same; we will become stagnant and unable to adjust to the changing world around us. If we don’t embrace change we are not growing. And if we are not growing we are not living. Today I am alive, living life one day at a time and enjoying every moment of it. Thank God.

Pg.5