Family in Need

Often, when I look back on my earlier writings, I’m hesitant to share them with my readers today because my writing style has changed so dramatically. However, some of the poems and stories from my original collection stand out from the others and though they are written in a format I’d used in my novice beginnings, they are still dear to my heart.

“Family in Need” is one of those poems and will always be one of my favorites. It’s simple, rhyming stanzas both tell a story and send a message. I hope you enjoy it.

Family in Need

by Linda Ellis, © 2000

“Family in Need” read the handwritten note.
“Give in the Name of the Lord.”
It was posted in the main hallway
in the center of the bulletin board.

As parishioners passed through the hall
after the Sunday worshiping session,
they stopped to read the prominent note
and formed a concerned expression.

Many met out in the parking lot
in groups of two and three
as they spoke of this family in need
and wondered just who it could be.

Did this family attend their church?
What was their situation?
Just which family had the preacher met
who was in need of such donations?

They spoke a while and left for home,
but not until they all agreed
that they would gather everything they could
for this family in need.

The preacher was sitting in the office
ready to accept the gifts bestowed,
and he stood up straight to warmly greet
the first family that showed.

The little boy stepped up to the table
with a football in his hands.
He said, “The side is ripped a little,
so I fixed it with rubber bands.”

Then approached his little sister,
“Here’s a dress with buttons and lace.
My grandma made it last year,”
a tender smile upon her face.

Their parents put down a box of canned food,
then quietly backed away and stood.
“We know what it’s like to be without
and wanted to do whatever we could.”

The preacher wore a puzzled smile
as he stared at the items lying there
and at his desk, he sat to bow his head
to speak a little prayer.

“Please bless this generous family.”
He graciously asked the Lord,
“For they are the Family-in-Need
I referred to on the bulletin board.”