I am not guilty by the color of my skin
Unless I fail to
Learn and grow,
Study and engage,
Reflect and ask questions,
Listen without talking,
Build relationships.
I am not guilty of who I am in Christ
Unless I fail to love or
If I act self-serving
Or condescending and
Ignore the Imago Dei.
I am not guilty of my childhood teaching
Unless I harden my heart to those around me
Closing my ears to the cries of the hurting and oppressed,
The broken and the lost.
Closing my eyes to the violence and despair,
The famine and hunger of the poor.
Closing my heart from loving my neighbor,
And praying for my enemy.
Who is my enemy? Those who hurt me or desert me? They are the ones whom I love.
Who is my enemy? Those who are different? They bring beauty and fullness to my life.
I am not guilty by being me
Unless I believe that my way is the only way
To live,
To love,
To protect,
To change.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24)
Father, God, help me to recognize and acknowledge injustice in the world and work for peace. Make my awareness the way to change my heart, my thoughts, my joys and delights. Protect us, by your Spirit, change us and make us one; one in you, one in the Son, one in the body.
Bring a transformation and renewal to your world, creating unity, peace, hope, and love; but the greatest of these as love. May we hold in our hearts each life with love and gentleness.
Amen to the Father, Amen to the Son, Amen to the Spirit, our God, my God, three in one.
