Endurance

Jesus said, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:16-22

Endurance

The days of sweet summer are gone

and the light resists coming our way

the selfish and violent take the upper hand

we are feeling vulnerable and ashamed.

We have been used like pawns on a board

moved by the wealthy and the mighty hands

they view us as leverage and  disposable chattel

we are the children of loving Creator.

Formed by hands of love and purpose

set apart to carry Good news through our work

we have been sidelined and abused for the moment

but God is with us, the broken and despised still.

The fearful strong will burn the trail with heat

and in the twilight their fury will burn away

they will fall, stumbling into empty arms

wanting their slaves to save their lives.

We are the offspring of love and justice

we will wait for the Spirit to rattle our bones

we will sing the songs of hope and freesom

even when we are held in chains.

This race is not finished and there are miles to go

the spring and summer will surely return

our ancestors are holding arms o0pen wide

singing and cheering us on as we sleep.