Behold the Lilies!
The work explores themes of faith, divine love, and the beauty of nature as a reflection of spiritual truths. It begins with a vivid depiction of lilies, symbolizing purity and the divine presence in the world. The imagery emphasizes the carefree existence of these flowers, contrasting them with human burdens and worries. The text suggests that, like the lilies, humans should trust in God's love and care, which is constant and all-encompassing. It highlights the idea that God is aware of every detail of life, including the smallest events, such as a sparrow falling. This awareness reinforces the notion of a personal and attentive deity who does not overlook human suffering. The work encourages readers to learn from nature, particularly the transient beauty of flowers, to relinquish their anxieties and place their trust in divine mercy. It reassures that no sorrow or burden goes unnoticed by God, who offers solace and refuge. The imagery of "everlasting arms" serves as a metaphor for divine protection and comfort amidst life's challenges. Overall, the piece is a meditation on the relationship between humanity and the divine, urging a reliance on faith and the recognition of God's omnipresence in both joy and sorrow. It calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual trust, inviting readers to embrace a life free from the weight of worry, much like the carefree existence of the lilies.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1860 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Nature Poetry, Inspirational Literature · 245 words
First lines
Behold the lilies of the field How beautiful and fair; Their fragrance as a breath of heaven Refreshes all the air.
No sordid labors bow them down, Nor dull depressing care; They only tell of God's great love, And that is everywhere.
The wings of morning are too slow To bear us from His sight; The midnight has no shadows deep To hide from us His light.
If not a sparrow falls to earth Unnoticed by His eye, Will He, our Father and our Friend Unheeded pass us by?
What this Textopian page supports
Behold the Lilies! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1860 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Nature Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Philosophical Poetry, African American Literature
- Length: 245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Behold the Lilies! by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- The Sparrows Fall by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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- A Grain Of Sand by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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- Gone To God by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of divine love, trust in God, and spiritual solace, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of lilies and nature reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty of creation, common in nature poetry.
- Inspirational Literature — The poem aims to inspire faith and trust in God, aligning it with the genre of inspirational literature.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem contemplates existence, care, and the human condition, fitting it into philosophical poetry.
Tags
American Literature · African American Fiction · 19th Century Novel · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Slavery · Abolitionism · Women's Rights · Feminist Themes · Christianity · Morality · Ethics