The Stranger
by Kristine Stanton © 2016I was a broken person
just lying on the sand.
I'd been to many places—
none that God had planned.
I was so tired and weary
and in great need of rest.
I felt so lost and lonely—
not at my very best.
I looked back at my actions
and all I saw was sin.
I needed to make changes—
just how would I begin?
As though someone had heard me
in answer to my prayer,
a stranger came before me
and all I did was stare.
He stood there for a moment,
then rested on the sand.
This stranger sat in silence
and reached out for my hand.
I shook it with reluctance
and turned my eyes from him.
It's then I noticed something
that lit all that was dim.
I didn't know exactly
just what my heart had seen,
but something deep inside me
had made me feel so clean.
This man was very special—
I saw it in his eyes.
He looked extremely peaceful
and very, very wise.
We sat in utter silence
just staring out to sea.
It's then I turned to ask him
if he would speak with me.
He nodded in agreement,
and I began to cry.
I told him I was sinful,
then he asked me, "why"?
The reasons, far too many,
increasing with each year.
I told him I was sorry,
while fighting back my tears.
Intently did he listen,
with patience and with grace.
He looked at me with sorrow
as tears streamed down his face.
He said I was forgiven
for all that I had done
because our God in Heaven
had sent His only Son.
I looked at him and questioned
what he had really meant.
He told me many stories
of One that God had sent.
I listened in amazement,
for I had never known,
the One whose name was Jesus
had claimed me as His own.
I truly felt forgiven
and blessed with a new start.
This stranger gave me something
to carry in my heart.
'Twas then I asked this kind man
how he had grown so wise.
He looked up to the Heavens
with faith, and loving eyes.
And then I asked the question,
just what his name might be.
He did not have to answer
as it was plain to see . . .
This stranger's name was Jesus
and He was sent to me
to save my soul from darkness—
Christ came to set me free . . .
Revised 2023
This poem was a finalist in the
January 2023 poetry contest
