Friday, May 10, 2013

Dear God,

Compared to so many, I have an idyllic life.  I have a roof over my head, medicine in my cabinet, food in my refrigerator, people who love me, and faith that reminds me you are the giver of every gift.  But how can I live a happy life when there is pain, sorrow, and suffering in so many parts of the world?

As I watch the news I am constantly shocked by the depravity present in so many places.  Why do leaders kill their own people?  Why do parents sell their children?  Why do people torture one another?  I don't understand the mindset of those who do heinous crimes.

Are we all capable of evil?  Do we all have the capacity of making ourselves lords over others?  Could any of us in the right situation crawl out of our "nice" shell and become something venomous?

How do we stem the tide of evil, O Lord?  How do we rise to the occasion to love our brother and sister wherever they live and whoever they are?  How do we extend a hand, bread, and love instead of a fist, a stone, and hatred?

You are the great answer, O Lord; you did not create this world so we could hurt one another.  You created a world where we are each responsible to care for others; yet there are many who want for food, clean water, and tender care.  Until we care for basic needs for all, how can we expect to live in love?

Teach us
the way
of love,
O God.
When we forget
whose we are,
we often
strike out
at others.
We blame,
judge, and steal.
We wound
and injure.
Evil comes
to life.
Only your kind
of love
can conquer
the enemy
of evil
in each
one of us.
Wash us clean,
renew a
right spirit
within us.
Pour your
life-giving water
into us.
Give us
spiritual food
to eat.
Nourish us
with your spirit
so we
may come
to life,
and love,
and faith,
I pray.
Teach us
to share
the gifts
of life,
I pray.

Love, Andrea