Between a president who recently died
and one about to begin
we remember a man who was never president.
(We notice the harmonies, and the dissonances.)
See how our choices matter—
not our position, nor our power, but our character.
We remember Martin, who was famous,
and in his name thousands more who were not,
but just as brave and merciful and mighty.
We remember all those who were peacemakers,
the nonviolent seekers of justice who have gone before,
and those who are now among us, without office.
We give thanks for those who stood against injustice,
who faced violence, hatred and anger with gentle courage,
and we pray for that spirit as well,
that we will not walk with the haughty and the cruel,
that we will be truthful and kind,
that we confront the power to exclude with the power to love.
With blessed leaders showing us the way,
we pray that we will choose love over fear,
generosity over selfishness, service over supremacy.
We give thanks for the saints who have gone before,
link arms with the saints who risk even now,
and with their song in our throats, we carry on.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
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