February 6th

“I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
   I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
   from the great congregation.” Psalm 40:10


in a time when people
keeps saying we should close
our hearts to empathy just like
we close borders, may i
keep opening mine wider and wider
so your grace can embrace
the vulnerable around us.
in a world where many wonder
how many family, friends, neighbors
might turn their backs if they dare
to speak out for justice, may
i have the courage to never stop
reminding folks of your partiality
towards those who are forgotten.
in a place where folks distort
your words, even claiming Jesus
didn’t really mean most of what
he said and did and lived,
may i keep trying to follow him,
even if others think i am just
another reed bending
in the wind.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman