Southside - a poem by Cheyenne Bonnel

A few years ago I met Marlene and her daughter Cheyenne. At the time Marlene was a follower of a pagan religion. Through the ministry of Faith Community Church Marlene became a follower of Jesus Christ. Since then several people in her family have become Christians. Her brother in law is now a deacon at the church and her daughter Cheyenne is deeply involved in the youth ministry at the church. Cheyenne recently wrote a poem about her faith experience for the English class in her public high school. She kindly gave me permission to print the poem below:

I am from a Southern Baptist ministry,
     BBQ and cook outs,
          a pair of hallelujahs and amens.

I am from one hundred shoulders to cry on,
     one-million helping hands
          and a family who's clean and sober.

I'm from praise band teams
     and one-man acts,
          a congregation of two hundred plus a few more.

I'm from love, joy, peace, patience,
     kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
          gentleness, and self-control.

I am from open arms, and ears that listen.
     One hundred pairs of role models
          and a place that I call home.

I am from a church that cares,
     a family of acceptance,
          and a godly Father who loves.