Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven[1] Abandoned and marginalized, it’s difficult to bear bias, harder to endure injustice to suffer inequality. Thus, disregarded by blind eyes, marginalized, and abandoned the consigned, to the dung heap, hope for delayed gratification. Uprightness demands commitment, truth always asksContinue reading “Persecuted”
Category Archives: Virtue
Embracing Change
O God, I am tired and confused. Help me be still, Help me be quiet and listen, Help me not be overwhelmed by what must be done. Give me peace as I start anew. Help me rest assured in your presence, Help me say, “Yes, I can”, Help me trust you and myself. O God,Continue reading “Embracing Change”
Peacemaker
Blessed are the peacemaker for they will be called children of God[1] Peace does not deliver justice… to make peace involves everyone’s sacrifice for the common good. Pacificism deescalates, submits right action as good will, and thus, promotes freedom from strife. Communion asks all get along – simply dwell non-competitively as neighbors not adversaries. ReconciliationContinue reading “Peacemaker”
Merciful
Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.[1] Above peace, empathy’s comfort, beyond justice, compassion’s heart, hence harmony’s restoration. Cooperation heals our wounds, our listening first, speaks volumes, and keeps judgment from directing. Forgiving includes forgetting – unfailing generosity fulfills unconditional love, Intrinsic to our covenant, relief precludes anxiety, concern excludes retribution. ThoseContinue reading “Merciful”
Meek
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. The kind and gentle will persist, continue to have compassion, they will always yield to neighbor and obey the union of wills. The kind of heart form endless bonds, the gentle of spirit promote symbiotic relationships benefitting all those involved. Meekness is not intuitive. ItContinue reading “Meek”
Faithful
Blessed are you when people insult you, lie about you because of me, for you will be rewarded.[1] It is truly hard to be calm amid gross misunderstanding… peaceful about malicious slurs. It is tough when slander becomes accepted as orthodoxy… false prophets become truth-bearers. Unconditional love affords a life of real relationship – standardContinue reading “Faithful”
Skinned Alive
Like Mother Earth, our skin is multilayered and it is essential to our existence. Skin promotes touch sensation, maintains body temperature regulation, provides harmful elements protection… Like Mother Earth, our skin is both precious and frail. Parts of us are thick-skinned and like mountains not much bothers us – difficult to get under the skin.Continue reading “Skinned Alive”
At a Loss
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted[1] Weeping the loss of a loved one professes the acute aching mitigating the grave anguish. Yes, grief can be overwhelming but our shadow must be embraced to find lasting comfort and joy. Sadness is inevitable… shedding true tears is both healing and necessary for wholeness.Continue reading “At a Loss”
More Beatitudes
Some contemporary practices I believed condoned by God: Blessed are those who listen, for they will find accord Blessed are the marginalized, for they will be sustained Blessed are the builders of bridges, for they will be welcomed. Blessed are the truth-tellers, for they will have peace of mind. Blessed are the contrite for theyContinue reading “More Beatitudes”
Magnanimous
When we get our worldly way, often the feat’s apparent success is undone and comes under assault with an unintended result. Naturally we chafe under trial and fret with tribulation, especially at our undoing and motives misconstruing. Hardship nurtures strength. It creates possibility and fosters our assurance in God’s faithful endurance. “I have told youContinue reading “Magnanimous”
MaddogPoetry 