I was born in a small town in New York at a difficult time in my mother’s life. She was unmarried and only 17 years old. Pressured to have an abortion due to the shame it brought her family, she bravely chose to carry me to term. I am eternally grateful she endured the harassment and stigma to give me life.

I am the oldest of nine children—five girls and four boys—and from an early age, I learned how to manage a household, as many responsibilities were placed on my shoulders.

My family moved frequently, and I attended over twenty different schools. At the age of twenty, I married a man who, like me, seemed to have a heart for travel. Our first few moves were within New York, but we eventually lived in Oregon, Montana, Colorado, and now Florida—returning to New York several times in between. To say I’m ready to settle down is an understatement.

My first real encounter with God came while living in New York with young children. I was watching Billy Graham on television when I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my life. Though I didn’t yet attend church, read the Bible, or pray from the heart, God began His work in me from that very moment, gently drawing me into a personal relationship with Him.

In Oregon, we met a couple who, although backslidden, often talked to us about the Holy Spirit. At that time, we were far from living Christian lives, but God was wooing us, drawing us in while also calling His children back to Himself.

When we later moved to Montana, God used various people to guide us into a small church where I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I began devouring the Word of God, and it was there I first heard His voice. Often, while I slept, words would come to me. I’d wake up and write them down. The Holy Spirit was teaching me to recognize His voice—words that almost always rhymed and always aligned with Scripture.

I have now been writing poetry for over 40 years. I’ve shared it in several churches and with many individuals over the years. I used to create small booklets of poems to hand out to friends, family, and even strangers. Encouraged by many, I finally began compiling my poems into books to share with a wider audience.

Each poem has been a blessing to me first—and now, I pray they bring comfort, hope, peace, and joy to you as well. May you come to truly know how deeply God loves you. I pray that as you read, you are drawn closer to Him and come to understand that He has a beautiful purpose and plan for your life.

My greatest desire is for seeking hearts to gather strength and comfort from the inspired poetry that has  brought comfort and growth to my life. Brenda Drake’s poetry lifts the name of Jesus Christ; attesting always God is with us in the high times and even in the valley.

To contact Brenda Drake use the following form, or email her at brendadrakepoetry@gmail.com.   Be sure to also like Brenda Drake Poetry on Facebook!