In the beginning, there was nothing. No land, sea nor Oxygen. No trees, fruit, animals, or humans. Nothingness existed except deep inside the imagination of GOD was an idea. Within His genius was an embryo of thought, a whisper of significance to create in His own image another with whom to share the glories of His wonder. And when God decided to fulfill his intentions, it was so. Within six days all was created. On the seventh, He rested. His creation was a disappointment; man and woman sinned. Thus snares from the Sly One reduced goodness to one of filth and unworthiness. God was compelled to defeat the entrapments of the Sly One and sent a part of Himself. My mission was to live as a mere mortal, with flesh and blood, yet removed from the stain of sin. And I was eager to please. During my brief interval with mankind on earth, much attention was lavished on I who came as a babe, from the womb of a Virgin, blessed by God Himself. And the world came to know me. I drew multitudes from those oppressed, feeling the pressure of restrained free thought, prejudice from the courts, corruption in government, and the boots of an occupying Roman army on their sandals. Into this disheveled occasion, I had the opportunity to influence the oppressed, forgotten souls; all who desired redemption from the afflictions which threatened their souls. From this world of mayhem I had the attention of many. They named me through occasions of chance, a meeting in the wilderness perhaps, or a surprise encounter alongside the sea. The Mighty God, Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus of Galilee, The Everlasting Father, King of the Jews, Jesus of Nazareth, Yahew, Prince of Peace, and Jesus Christ were titles, names and attention given me, which I did not seek. I was not their Father. He above me who directed me to this encounter with mankind is the only one to whom I supplicate myself. My own Father. Regarding the honor given myself, it was not part of the plan of salvation intended for a world of curious personalities. To rid them of their selfish desires and to introduce a new way of attending to their needs and those of others was my intended mission. There was only one title to which I attributed to myself. And that is -- I AM. This accounting is of my preparation and ascension for a glorious journey to provide mankind with salvation. It relates an earnest youthfulness from being a helpless child to gaining wisdom and enlightenment required to accomplish my task. Selah. (c) Richard L. Provencher

Richard enjoys writing poems; many of which have been published in Print and Online. He and his wife, Esther are also co-authors of stories and a print novel. They are "born again" Christians and very busy in their church, Abundant Life Victory International, in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia.