Without further adeiu, here are the final winners of the 24-7 writing contest. Vicki and Simone both challenged us with honest, well crafted poetry. Thanks again to all who submitted their work...
 
Simone Grundel...

Godly Freethinking
by Simone Grundel
 
So I’ve become a Christian…
do I truly have to stop admiring
all the colours of the rainbow?
 
Do I have to join this Christian Ghetto
where people think the same,
speak the same,
dress the same,
and are sometimes very quick
to raise their eyebrows in disapproval?
 
Please don’t get me wrong,
I don't see truth as a matter of opinion
or holiness as a fashion statement.
It’s a life source
that's goes far beneath my skin.
How could I deny the One
whose words have always sustained me?
 
But don’t you think there is more,
that God can wave from the unexpected places?
 
Would Jesus have gone to the disco
or have had a laugh with tree-hugging crusties?
Would he have been at a yoga class
teaching the people some REAL meditation?
Did he use the pens of ungodly men
to speak his words to far-away nations?
Please don't reject every thought
that might offend your theology.
 
 
I know it's tricky to keep yourself pure
while learning the art of godly freethinking.
 
Might God hold my hand
while I’m walking on this tightrope
that divides cheap grace
from the dullness of Churchianity.
Vicki Adams...
As for info about me... I'm 22 and I'm part of the Wandsworth Boiler Room team. Favorite movie at the moment has to be Narnia, and music wise I will listen to anything from the Carpenters to Blink 182. At the moment I'm listening to the greatest hits of Ocean Colour scene... but as long as it doesn't involve hip hop I will listen to anything.

My hobbies are stuff like art and photography, reading... erm, I think that’s it.
 
Living Free
by Vicki Adams

From early years I knew your name
Imaginary, yet again
Once here, then not, But always near
You lingered close and drip-fed fear.

Alluring still, but this must end
This choking yoke, my faithful friend
Dressed in defeat I’ve played your game
A covenant of guilt and shame.

Unwritten rules, unspoken vows,
A thousand ‘looking inward’ hours,
A contract made that stayed intact
To twist my arm and break my back.

You’ve held my hands, I was disguised,
I saw the world through victim’s eyes,
But I’m emerging from this cloud
From underneath self’s stifling shroud.

So I’m renouncing, breaking through,
I’m pulling off the fruit we grew,
I break my promise, end the plans
That aim to keep me in your hands.

I was not made to walk in shame,
Burdened down and paired with pain,
I’m not synonymous with you
And all these lies I’ve lived as truth.

My pledged allegiance breaks today
I separate and step away
A child of light, I’m living free
And walking into destiny.

With head held high, I’m standing tall
Into my Saviour’s arms I fall
And hand in hand with Him I find
His power love and peace of mind.