In Daniel’s story is revealed

many mysteries

and many dens of lions,

of love and purpose of life:

that in being with men,

I fulfil in me

my authentic calling.

I shall always

enjoy the companionship

of men,

of women;

it is through this companionship

that so much about God is revealed.

Together we are instruments,

we can be of service

to enrich God’s kingdom.

Companionship reminds us

to seek counsel

in the deep of the night

or broadness of day;

there we are assured of security,

safety and assurance;

we gain revelations

that there is a God,

a greater one,

who confers longevity,

who knows the changes of the times,

who knows what is in the darkness,

who understands the thought of our minds,

who can make our troubles disappear,

like chaff on the threshing floor,

crumbled and blown away

by winds without trace.

Daniel witnessed this

in the company

of Azariah,

Hananniah,

Shadrach,

Meshach,

Abednego.

Companionship is a preparation:

it sets the grounds for leadership,

companionship strengthens steadfastness,

knees never bend in fear,

heads bow in humility only before God,

the body is made worthy,

when our fears are,

only because we fall short of trust,

only because we fall short of faith.

Companionship of men

leads to a companionship that

bestows favours.

In Daniel we saw all this:

companionship with God

comes with favours.

Daniel possessed an extraordinary mind,

that explained enigmas,

that solved difficulties,

that broke through insolence,

that expands the greatness of kingdoms,

that elevates the gloriousness of majesties.

In the company of men,

I am not any lesser a being;

In enjoying the company of men

in bed or boardroom;

I am at no fault

or held in any neglect of duty;

however there are,

dens of lions lurking:

I may be ridiculed,

but I shall heal;

even when I am pulled away

from my high ranks;

even when my purple robes

are torn from me,

I shall get them back;

even when

some get in my way;

even when

some use the law,

to pull me down

from my high positions

I shall still

get the very positions back;

they will watch me get re-instated;

I am not finished,

I prevail,

Just because

I am

a companion of a steadfast God,

the everlasting,

and ever present One!