Who Is Family?

Jesus said, “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.”
While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:43-50 

Who Is Family?

So often excluded and set aside
some wander the lanes and cafes
looking for people who understand
seeking those who might welcome.

My family is black, red, brown and white
mixed up and scrambled all together
my people are those who make strangers
into family welcomed at the table.

So many close their doors to difference
they close their doors to their own blood
the ones who look or love differently
too often excluded by Jesus' followers.

Yet God is the source of all true love
and God throws the doors open wide
this family is not exclusive or rigid
God's family is all scrambled together.