October 23rd

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
   and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
   and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

today,
may we dare to do justice—
standing with those shoved aside
by the powerful and the privileged,
setting more chairs at those tables
for those who have never felt welcomed;
today,
may we dare to love kindness—
not simply a sticker on a car
or a imprinted t-shirt, but
as mercy offered unconditionally,
as bread share generously,
as forgiveness opening locked hearts;
today,
may we walk humbly with God—
not running ahead proclaiming
all of the answers, but stumbling
with all those who falter,
not offering unwanted advice, but
listening for that still, small voice
which always whispers, ‘love everyone.’
for God’s Beloved Community
doesn’t arrive when everyone is right,
but when we all do what is right—
one stance for justice,
one breath of kindness,
one step of humility at a time,
so that, by the grace of God,
hope finds feet.

(c) 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman