In times such as these
when it seems so easy
to forego all degrees of courtesy,

when it seems there is so much debate
and so little discussion,
when it seems much more the fashion
to charge forward,
words blasting like weapons
rather than serving as instruments of understanding,

when it appears
that we’d rather make clear the distance
rather than build some bridge of connection,
that there is so much yelling
and so little listening.

In times such as these,
might not we try to be
a gentle voice
in which are heard
words of truth spoken in love?

Might not we
hold fast and firm
to the sure ways
of righteousness, peace and hope
without letting go the satin ropes
of decency, dignity and kindness?

It might be good
if we who claim to be Believers
would take the time
to make rather sure
that the lines we are drawing
do not wrongly define
the gospel of the One Who Came
to tear down the wall of separation,
to call all people to repentance,
to bring unity instead of division,
forgiveness instead of vengeance,
salvation instead of damnation,

regardless of nation,
race,
color,
gender,
wealth,
lineage,
or political affiliation.

Who both told and showed
that we should
turn the other cheek,
choose meekness over power,
return good for evil,
endure injustice rather than inflict it,
defend the widow, the poor and the orphan,
give no place to self-righteous hypocrisy,
and forgive even unto seventy-times-seven…

in a single day.

H. Arnett
8/8/19