The Staying of James

I spoke at a funeral for a homeless man's brother James, has been through hard times and leaned on the wrong things We're not so far from where he is we've just become better at hiding Like Self-righteousness, lusts, greed, and all the others This was not as much about the passing of James' brother, John as it was about the staying of James Staying while his brother moved on The staying of James It's about struggling with grief and unanswered questions It's about the moment and all of the wondering in the darkness It's about waking up tomorrow And struggling to stay sober, Working to pay the bills, over and over About trying to stay balanced in a world that is so upside down and crazy Though not gone from the memories It's about life without John here physically But most of all it's about hope As we sat there, we were letting go of a loved one, In hope that this was not the end, that there is an eternal life that is in the Hands of God That James would see John again This was not as much about the passing of James' brother, John as it was about the staying of James Staying while his brother moved on The staying of James Strength for today Hope for tomorrow All of the memories of John The times of fighting The times of laughing The times of crying He doesn't take away the pain of loss But He cares and I find comfort in that He doesn't replace my loved ones But He's there for me in their absence I find peace in that