October 13th

“But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” Hosea 12:6

in these days when so many
have broken their moral compass,
when the world comes apart
at the seams,
and anger gathers like storm clouds
threatening our common life,
God calls us to come home,
like a parent telling kids
playtime is over.
not so we will hide
under our safe blankets,
but to mend the torn places
with the thread of love,
and weave justice into
the fabric of these times
‘hold fast,’ God whispers—
hold fast when fear tries
to pry open our grip on hope,
hold fast when bitterness
taunts us to let go of mercy,
hold fast when the powerful
tell us empathy is for losers.
and as we wait for that future
God is preparing for us
may we be the love
others are longing for.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman