PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Tomorrow, which begins in my time zone in about seventy minutes

(mark!) will be the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death and martyrdom

of Matthew Shepard, who was brutally beaten by homophobic clodhoppers

on October sixth, 1998, and succumbed to his injuries on October twelfth.

I believe he is in Heaven in the presence and loving care of the Risen

and Regnant Christ.  I know he is worshipping with the Early Christians. 

I hope he is enjoying a barefoot frolic among the stars that he can

see, from his perspective there, so much better than even our

Hubble and Webb telescopes can provide.

I urge anyone who reads this to do an internet search to see a

painting entitled The Ascension Of Matthew Shepard by the artist,

Carl Grauer.  I was led to this painting by what seemed to be

"random" browsing, but upon finding it, I believe it was prayer

answered---perhaps a miracle due to Matthew's intercession for me.

Some years ago, a former friend---who turned out to be a not a

friend at all; and who is not a Christian---attempted to convince me

(using Scriptures in which, admittedly, he did not believe) that

Matthew could not possibly be in Heaven.  I have, since that time,

fervently believed that he is; and I think my Faith (which is even as

a mustard seed) was confirmed by this painting which I would never

have known to look for.

Now, as I write this, the twelfth is less than an hour away in my time

zone.  Saint Matthew, pray for me---that my Faith will bring me, when

called, into the presence of Christ, where I may kneel in worship, and

also to meet you and the Early Christians.  Please pray for me,

Saint Matthew.

Starward