I want to I say I believe you reap what you sow
But then I remember all those I know and have known
who have nothing to harvest when the time comes
because others are hoarding the seeds,
building walls
breaking tools
so the harvest is all theirs.
I want to say I believe justice will prevail
but I count the deaths
the murders
that have seen no indictments, no convictions
and justice seems far away.
I want to say I believe in democracy
but our democracy has always been
a carefully calculated balance
suppressing voices
stripping people of their humanity
based on the color of their skin.
I want to say I believe the arc of the universe is long
but it bends towards justice
but the arc is more a jumble, a knot
progress bent backwards and sideways
to preserve power and wealth
I want to say I believe January 6, 2021 was not who the United States is
but you reap what you sow
and our roots are buried deep in racism, entitlement, and violence.
I want to say this was unexpected
but voices have been crying out warnings,
only to be treated like Cassandra
I want to say I believe this will be a turning point
but I don't know which way it will turn
The GPS has been screaming
"recalculating, make a U-turn"
for thousands of miles,
it has become an inaudible buzz
This I believe
We are witnessing the fruits of sin
of idolatry, of lies, of envy
of hatred, of power abused
I want to say I believe we can find a better harvest
but the fruits of the spirits
are hard to find
amid the thorn bushes and invasive vines
and we have been too timid
too afraid of scratches
to do the harvest work needed
for love, peace, patience, faithfulness
for justice, for righteousness, for truth
This I believe
for too long we have neglected
the faithful harvest
May we repent.
May we tend the fields,
clear out what is sinful,
and cultivate the Spirit's gifts.
This is so powerful, Sarah. I am forwarding to several friends on email.