May 25th

“If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor.” Deuteronomy 15:7

when a sister in need
approaches you,
don’t cross the street.
if a brother is hungry,
it’s not a reason to tighten
your grip on grace.
these siblings are God,
pressing a finger against
that doorbell of your
slammed shut tight heart.
so, offer them
not just a handout
but some of your day,
not just a meal
but a table conversation,
not just a sliver of hope
but that bit or bob of you
that remembers not to hoard.
for if you take that
risk of unclenching your grip
you just might find
that your emptiness is fuller
than you ever imagined.

(c) 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman