Dear Jesus,

My heart is in anguish. A deep wrestling for the evil and suffering humans have inflicted on one another. Over the dawn of time – there is nothing new under the sun.

How the collective man has somehow labeled and categorized people as less than, rather than the Imago Dei.

This one, too weak- crush her.

This one, too dark – beat him.

This one, too religious- burn him at the stake.

This one, too loud- ruin her reputation.

This one, too emotional- shame him

This one, too fat – body shame her being.

This one, too effeminate- call him names.

This one, has breasts- sell her into slavery.

The suffering and grappling feels too overwhelming for me to carry.

I am not my brother’s judge. I am not my sister’s jury.

I am not above or below.

I am in my own lane. I am meant to weep with those who weep. Rejoice with those who rejoice.

I am meant to become whole, dwell in the presence of Jesus – meditate on eternity. Seek justice and walk humbly with my God.

And there’s the rub, right there. HUMILITY.

It’s very hard to come by with all these loud opinions. Men and women thinking they hold the key to deciding who is worthy of love and who is not.

Who among us can cast the first stone?

I can’t. I stay silent amidst the noise.

I don’t know. And I don’t care.

What I DO know is I am called to LISTEN and be SLOW to speak. Give SOFT answers to hatred and wrath.

I am called to walk in POWER, LOVE and SELF-CONTROL.

Keep my advice to myself, unless it’s requested.

What I DO know is that Jesus is happy to be with me in my sin, anguish, sorrow, anger and joy.

Why wouldn’t he be happy to be with those the collective deems “unworthy” of acceptance and love.

Jesus – may I soak in your Divine Presence. My God and my Creator.

Hear my cries.

Love,

Rochelle Sadie