Judy Ball | + Follow Poet |
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The Family Name

It isn't where you come from,
Matters not where you've been.
It  isn't what your parents did,
That makes your name among men.

Your ancestors may have a name.
But what they did or not,
Has naught at all to do with you,
It's long ago forgot.

It's what you do yourself that counts.
You make your reputation.
You can make your family proud,
Or cause them denigration.

It takes time to build a name.
It starts when you are young.
It's the habits that you form,
While the song of youth is sung.

It takes less time to wreck a name,
Than it does to build it.
What you pass down to progeny,
Pride or shame, you've willed it.

Try to be the kind of person,
God intended you to be.
Live each moment with the thought,
He's watching over me.

Live each moment knowing,
Your every move He'll see,
And every word you ever speak,
Will all be heard by He,

Who sees and hears and knows all things.
Before Him we all stand.
Try to live within His will,
According to His plan;

And you will live a happy life.
You'll come through every storm.
Be obedient and kind,
And try not to conform,

To the world and wicked ways.
Drink but from The Master's cup,
So each morning when you rise,
The devil's mad you're up;

For God knows what we're all about.
This life is no mere game.
The Shepherd knows each sheep He owns.
He calls each one by name.

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Lindsay Laurie Date: 7/15/2020 7:22:00 PM Hello Judy ... plenty of wise lines in this poem of wisdom Judy. If only all humanity abided by them - thank you Judy - Lindsay Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/31/2020 12:32:00 PM Thank you so much Lindsay . God Bless. JB

Joseph May Date: 7/6/2020 12:21:00 PM You weave words of wisdom in this beautiful poem Judy, thanks for sharing, Blessings.. Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/8/2020 10:02:00 PM Thanks so much Joseph. God Bless, JB

Jerry T Curtis Date: 7/6/2020 7:19:00 AM Every One is born unique, It take's this world years to make to make one mediocre ! Great piece Jan, especially the part about not conforming to what this world wants. God Bless Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/8/2020 10:08:00 PM Thanks bunches Jerry but it's Judy not Jan. Smiles. God Bless, JB

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 7/4/2020 1:39:00 PM Really great piece Judy, lovely imagery throughout and super rhyme too. Trust you are well Blessings,Gordon Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/5/2020 8:17:00 AM Thanks bunches Gordon. God Bless, JB

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 7/4/2020 10:31:00 AM I Love this poem and I have faved it. It is what we should be all about - building and forming our own life and reputation - choosing the right path, following Gods teachings. Have no fear ever, for he will always be near. A terrific, brilliant write Judy my friend. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer. Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/5/2020 8:09:00 AM Thanks bunches Jennifer. I'm honored. God Bless, JB

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 7/3/2020 9:12:00 AM - So true, Judy ... "It's what you do yourself that counts" ... lovely written :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/3/2020 4:16:00 PM Thanks so much Anne-Lise. God Bless, JB

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 7/1/2020 10:52:00 PM Beautiful words of wisdom and inspiration in this well crafted poem, that highlights the importance of integrity and love of God. Best of wishes, Evelyn Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/3/2020 4:12:00 PM Thank you so much Evelyn. God Bless, JB

Demetrios Trifiatis Date: 7/1/2020 8:01:00 AM The wisdom of life in a nutshell dearest, Judy. Inspiring and profound my friend. Hugs xxx Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/3/2020 4:10:00 PM Thanks bunches Demetrios. God Bless, JB

Vijay Pandit Date: 7/1/2020 7:32:00 AM Divine words of wisdom--such a solemn feeling to read your poem, Judy! Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/3/2020 4:07:00 PM Thanks bunches Vijay. God Bless, JB

Harry Horsman Date: 7/1/2020 3:26:00 AM To my Favourites...the message is loud and clear Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 7/3/2020 4:00:00 PM Thanks bunches Harry. I'm honored. God Bless, JB

Gershon Wolf Date: 6/30/2020 10:34:00 PM Absolutely true, every word, every line! Pearls of Wisdom, Judy! ~ The Choir You're Preaching to, Gershon :) Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 6/30/2020 10:58:00 PM Thanks bunches Gershon. God Bless, JB

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 6/30/2020 6:49:00 PM Hello Judy Ball, something to ponder. Very nicely done. enjoy your evening my friend. Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 7/3/2020 2:09:00 PM Hello Judy Ball, you are so welcomed. Enjoy your day my friend. Judy Ball Date: 6/30/2020 8:18:00 PM Thanks bunches Darlene. God Bless, JB

Silent One Date: 6/30/2020 3:01:00 PM Interesting thoughts...I think a lot depends on culture... Login to Reply Judy Ball Date: 6/30/2020 5:01:00 PM Thanks bunches my friend. No matter the culture common courtesy is still important. Too many people fail to instill these values in their children. They just expect them to learn it as they grow older. That most often is not the case. God Bless, JB