In honour of the 21 Libyan Martyrs

Nothing funny about this post, I'm afraid. I was challenged by a friend to "not look away", and actually watch the beheading of 21 Christians by Islamic State-affiliated men. I did so, after thinking long and hard about it. Yes, I wish I had never seen such terrible images. But oh, how my heart was moved. At first, I thought, "There are no words." Then I realised there were, and the words were bubbling up in me. Here they are...

Quietly, so quietly, they walk,

So still

Knowing that the end is here, on this beach

Quietly, they stand

Quietly, they fall to the sand,

These men

Calling on the Name as they prostrate themselves

in silence

Offering their necks, still praying as the knives

saw life away,

Quiet and brave beyond all understanding,

knowing there is another shore,

another beach,

where the Father will find them.