you will ever meet. No matter how menial the chore.
Brother Monroe would jump right in and do it.
Though he was never in the limelight, nor would he want to be,
He “put his shoulder to the wheel” and got the job done.
His performance was the ultimate exhibit of God’s love in action.
Thank God, my life was blessed by his friendship.
In a little cemetery called “Seven Pines,”
They buried that precious Brother of mine.
Monroe Jackson was his name.
No, he wasn’t listed in America’s “Who’s Who.”
In fact most of the world never knew,
The moment the death angel came.
Oh, I shall miss his smiling face.
He never seemed out of place,
No matter at what campmeeting we met.
“How are you, Brother Robert,” he would say,
In his quiet and gentle way.
These memories I shall never forget.
I recently visited the little cemetery on the hill,
And it seemed so peaceful and serenely still,
Unchanged by the passing of time.
Here mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers,
And so many others,
Finished life’s mountain’s last climb.
Near the grave of Brother Monroe,
I found the familiar name of Brother Johnny Noe.
He was a fellow soldier in the army of the Lord.
So, when that great trumpet shall sound,
Together they shall arise from the ground,
To receive their eternal reward.
Ah yes, the number increases each day,
Of saints being called away,
To their destination on Heaven’s fair shore!
And lately they seem to beckon me,
To meet them by the crystal sea,
Where I’ll join Brother Monroe,
Brother Johnny and many more!
Robert F. Dotson © 2001
Here Comes Trouble
Old Man Trouble came by today.
He was banging on my door.
He had no problem finding the way.
You see, he's been to my house before!
He said, " I've traveled many a mile,"
"Your happy abode to find."
"While I'm here, I'm going to take your smile,"
"And also your peace of mind."
I said, "Old boy you won't stay long,"
"Not very long at all."
"For soon I'll be singing a victory song,"
"Once I give King Jesus a call!"
Trouble said, "I saw Jesus earlier today"
"He sure has plenty to do!"
"And by now He's much too far away,"
"To be of any help to you."
So I cried, "Dear Lord please hear my prayer."
"I've got trouble at my door."
I have no doubt that you still care."
"Won't you come to my rescue once more?"
It was then I felt His presence near,
And as tears of joy began to flow,
He whispered, "Child, I'm always here!"
Then He commanded Old Trouble to go!
Robert F. Dotson © 2001
In the distance I can clearly hear,
The sound of marching feet.
And as they steadily draw near,
My heart skips a beat.
For years I’ve faithfully served the Lord.
I’ve strived to do His will.
And though martyrdom be my reward,
I shall follow still!
I hear the jailer turn his key.
I see a ray of light.
Oh, God they’ve finally come for me,
And the flame will be my plight.
From the stocks they loose my hands and feet.
They curse me one and all.
I’m weak from lack of food to eat.
So to the ground I fall.
They roughly bind my hands so tight.
This time they use a rope.
To them I’m just a despicable sight.
But, in God I’ve put my hope!
Next they place me on a horse.
I know well the road we’ll take.
The crowd awaits me there of course,
All gathered around the stake.
When we arrive at the scene,
They are so mean.
A voice is crying loud.
As they quicken my pace,
I can see the face,
Of my darling in the crowd.
She’s filled with fright.
Her face is white.
She cries, "Please, let him go."
They pretend not to hear,
They only sneer.
The answer we all know;
To me they say,
"You can recant today."
And the crowd grows deathly still!
"Stop this foolish game."
"Blaspheme Christ’s name."
But I shout, "I never will!"
This statement seals my fate.
So they no longer wait,
To tie me to the stake.
Then, they light the fire,
The flames dance higher,
And that’s the last sound I will make.
But, God knows His own.
And as I appear before His throne,
Jesus stretches forth His hand!
He says, "My son,’
"It was a job well done!"
"Welcome to Beaulah Land!"
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
From the sounds that I hear,
I know Christ’s coming is so near.
For strong winds blow and earthquakes shake the ground.
I know the word of God is true.
He’s coming back for me and you!
It will be rapture to be Heaven bound!
In schools and churches our children are dying.
It seems that violence appears on every hand.
As we offer comfort to those who are crying,
It’s plain to see Lord they don’t understand.
All around me my dear friends are leaving.
One by one they have left this world of woe.
So my heart is broken and my spirit is grieving.
But I shall join them in Heaven I know!
Oh, the signs of the time say He’s returning!
And with a shout He’ll come and take His bride away!
Within my heart now I can feel this message burning,
"Don’t loose hope, child you’re too near Homecoming Day!"
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
Dedicated To Lost Family
Soon I shall leave this world of sorrow.
My destination will be Glory Land!
It could be today or even tomorrow,
When on Jordan’s stormy banks I stand.
But, I’ll have no fear. Christ will be with me!
He’ll be my Comfort, Shield, and Guide!
Even now through eyes of faith I can see,
That City on the other side!
As a child I heard about that City,
With it’s Heavenly sights so rich and rare!
The gates of pearl stand tall and pretty!
Oh, how I long to enter there!
So, don’t weep for me when I am dying.
For I will have just begun to live!
To the throne of God my soul will be flying,
To receive a reward only He can give!
I’ll see the One who died to save me!
His love for me has been so sweet!
Then the golden crown my Father gave me,
I’ll lay down at my Saviour’s feet!
By Robert F. Dotson © 1999
On Thanksgiving Day when the table was spread,
There was turkey and dressing and fresh loaves of bread!
A variety of vegetables steaming hot,
Were brought to the table straight from the pot!
There were homemade pickles right from the jar!
To find any better one would have to go far!
The pumpkin, apple, and mincemeat pies,
If take to the fair would have won first prize!
There were cabbage and corn puddins' and candied yams,
and several different kinds of jellies and jams!
There were freshly baked apples, yellow and red,
And friendship, banana nut, and cranberry breads!
On the counter nearby was a ship-shaped bin,
Filled with cookies looking like pilgrim women and men!
When the meal was fully prepared those gathered there,
Bowed their heads and listened to Grandpa's prayer!
He said, "We thank Thee Lord for this Thanksgiving feast!"
Each one of us is grateful from the eldest to the least!"
"We could never repay You for the bountiful yield,"
"Of vegetables from the garden and crops from the field!"
"There were more taters in the hills and the corn had larger ears,"
"And the pumpkin and squash crop was the biggest in years!"
"We also thank Thee, Lord for the sunshine and the rain,"
"And for the perfect weather for harvesting grain!"
"Lord, You've always been Someone on whom we could depend,"
"You're closer than a brother and our dearest Friend!"
"We thank Thee for fellowship with these our kin,"
"And if it be Thy will we'll meet once again!"
Suddenly, Grandpa finished his prayer and then,
The kinfolk all joined together with a hearty "Amen!"
Robert F. Dotson © 1998
