A New Dawn: A Poem of Redemption and Bold Faith
I’m incredibly grateful for the life I have today. However, my journey has not been an easy one. Decades lost in addiction left me broken, but through God’s grace, I found salvation. By sharing my experience, strength, and hope, I pray that others searching for a way out will find encouragement. More importantly, I hope they catch a glimpse of the better life that exists beyond the grip of drugs and alcohol.
A Journey of Transformation
Not everyone will agree with my beliefs, and that’s okay. After all, we each walk our own paths and carry unique perspectives. Although I’m far from perfect, I embrace the journey of continuous learning and growth. My only aim is to use the gift God has given me to bring comfort, inspiration, and truth into the world. Whether through poetry or personal testimony, I strive to reflect His love in all that I do.
How A New Dawn Reflects My Faith
Jesus has been the foundation of my transformation. He rescued me, and now He uses me to share His love and truth with others. It’s humbling to feel God’s guidance in my writing—knowing that my words can offer comfort and encouragement to those in need. As I craft each poem, I pray daily that my message reflects His heart, not just my own.
The inspiration for A New Dawn came from a deep sense of renewal. After writing it, I carefully refined the words to ensure they fully expressed both my personal journey and the message God placed in my heart. In fact, I even felt led to revise the final stanza to make a stronger statement of faith:
Originally:
“With faith anew, I awake to see,
A dawn of grace now shining free.
The past behind, His hand I hold,
I walk in light, made new and whole.”
Revised:
“With faith anew, my spirit healed,
A dawn of grace, at last revealed.
The past behind, my steps made bold,
I walk in light, made new and whole.”
Bold Faith in Action
God calls us to stand boldly for love, truth, and justice. Yet, true boldness is not about pride or self-importance. Instead, it is about faith, humility, and trust in God’s plan. Living boldly means stepping beyond our comfort zones, allowing Him to lead us in all things. Sometimes, this involves quiet acts of kindness, prayer, or encouragement. Other times, it requires speaking truth with love and standing against injustice. Regardless of the form it takes, bold faith reflects Christ’s light and makes a lasting impact.
Today, I have peace of mind, joy in my soul, and love in my heart. More than ever, I am excited to see what God has planned for me—and for those I love—in the days ahead. With that, I present A New Dawn, a reflection of the transformation God has worked in me.
A New Dawn
A downward spiral, cold and deep,
Led to my darkness, where shadows creep.
For years, in silence, I chose to hide,
With drugs and booze, my only guides.With fear and doubt, my spirit bled,
Guilt and shame were my daily bread.
My mind tormented, my will undone,
Lost in a storm, with nowhere to run.Yet in the night, a soft whisper came,
A spark of hope in Jesus’ name.
My heart adrift and lost at sea,
Could He, in mercy, rescue me?Hell’s burning depths, a chilling sight,
I called to God with all my might.
With trembling hands, I raised my eyes,
And prayed Lord, please hear my cries.Then mercy flowed, both vast and true,
The dark was crushed, His love broke through.
The chains of sin fell to the ground,
In His embrace, my soul was found.With faith anew, my spirit healed,
A dawn of grace, at last revealed.
The past behind, my steps made bold,
I walk in light, made new and whole.David Ritter
ABOUT THE BOOKS
MEMORIES FOR KEEPS
A collection of poetry reveals one man’s feelings about the world around him. Spirituality is the centerpiece of most of his writings. The author touches the hearts and minds of readers with hope, peace, love, humility, wisdom, and wit. This writer tackles topics ranging from grief to fatherhood. He also writes about addictions and friendships. He captures the essence of a born-again, alcoholic dad. This dad is grateful to have finally found serenity in life. Today, through this collection of both old and new works, he shares that serenity with you!
BOTTLED MEMORIES
These stand-alone poems were written over many years. Individually, they describe the conflicts linked to alcoholism. When read together, they reveal a more complete picture of the destruction, depression, and chaos of addiction. They also show the peace, hope, and joy of recovery. Most of these poems pertain to my life. I hope that other people will relate to them also. It’s not only my story but the story of so many others.
WHERE TO BUY
Memories for Keeps includes captivating poems. Enjoy titles like “Gone Fishing,” “One Day to Live,” “The Fork in the Road,” and “Lost at Sea.” Dive into the pages and let your heart wander! Available for download or print on Amazon. For extra poetry collections and products visit the stores listed below. Memorial picture frames and downloads can also be found at my Etsy Store!!!
- Faith Christian Stores
- Address: 4463 Miller Rd, Flint, MI 48507
- Phone: (810) 516-0706
- Amazin’ Mitten
- Address: 646 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
- Phone: (989) 262-8010
- ONLINE SHOP NOW OPEN!!!
- You can contact me directly at rittersrhymeandreason@gmail.com
- Read more about David Ritter in the ABOUT ME section
Wow, much more powerful. Thank you for sharing it. I hope it encourages others who have had a similar experience.
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I truly hope it brings encouragement to those who need it. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!
Hi My name is Dawn Pifer, and I just lost my husband of 7 years. He was stricken with the alcohol disease. I was searching for inspiration, and something to put my thoughts down. I searched for fishing poems. Your Gone Fishing poem came up. Then I kept looking at your site. This one on March 9, 2025 A New Dawn…. hit me on so many levels. One the picture… as my late husband LOVE sunrises!! I love sunsets… and this one was written on my birthday this year! So my heart is filling up by your inspiration. Thank you. God is carrying me through this time.
Dawn,
First, I want to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Losing a loved one, especially to the struggles of addiction, is a heavy burden, and I can only imagine the mix of emotions you’re navigating right now. It means so much to hear that my poem Gone Fishing found you in this moment and that A New Dawn spoke to your heart in such a personal way. Those little connections—like your husband’s love for sunrises and your birthday—feel like whispers from above, reminders that God is present, even in the pain.
I, too, have walked the road of addiction and early recovery, and that journey led me to write Bottled Memories: A Journey Through Addiction and Early Recovery. It’s a collection of my own struggles, reflections, and moments of grace—perhaps some of those words may resonate with you as you process your own grief and healing.
Please know that you’re not alone. God is carrying you, just as He carried me. And while the weight of loss never fully leaves us, His love lightens the load, one day at a time. If my words bring even a small bit of comfort, then I am truly grateful.
Holding you in my prayers,
David Ritter