Monday, August 26, 2024

Dear God,

Our hearts are full when we focus on you.  When our eyes are on you, we cannot focus on lies, those spoken by others and those whispered to ourselves.  Rather, we hear the assurance of your constant presence, your affirmation of eternal love and your promises of mercy, guidance and compassion.

On the other hand, we falter and fall when we listen to the world's voices.  We can't help ourselves.  Too many voices of exclusion, hatred and name-calling intended to hurt and injure can wash over us stinging, biting and wounding.  But your voice, yes, your voice keeps us buoyed up because you offer something so much different.

I confess that I weep sometimes when I hear political rhetoric that divides, hurts and injures people, innocent people who simply are who they are with different beliefs, skin color, gender, sexual proclivity, economic status and philosophy of life.  I can't bear seeing people brought down by arrogant folk who believe they have the right to sideline, marginalize and reject others.  Deep wounds hurt a society and all its people.  The only truth that matters is that your love is for all, every one of us.  No one is better or worse than another, all are loved.

Help us hear

your voice

and its truth,

O God.

Help us

drown out

all voices

that belittle,

destroy and wound.

Keep our eyes

on you,

we pray.

Love, Andrea