A Resilient Whisper in the Fiery Wilderness #27

A Resilient Whisper in the Fiery Wilderness Even amidst the fiercest flame, Some things remain, untouched, unclaimed. Useless, you say? Nay, look again. In wilderness wild, the bush aflame, Yet unburnt, unscarred, it stands, unashamed. The grace of the Lord, its leaves remain green, In lands deemed barren, life unseen. A bush in the desert, how can it be vain? For in your gaze, it's not the bush that's plain, But the eye that fails to see its worth, its gain. The source of all, both earth and sky, Holds no grudge, hears no cry. Beyond appearances, beyond earthly ties, Unharmed by phantoms, your soul flies. Peaceful, pervading, in all it lies, All things obey, in this truth, wise. This, the gospel's core, its central prize, With Christ's heart, we lift humanity's eyes. Thrown away, yet not forsaken, Burnt, not burnt; killed, yet unshaken, Absent, yet present - this truth awaken. He who ignores, calls useful, futile, In uselessness, finds no worthwhile. Blinded, in utility's barren aisle, Sees not the worth in what's deemed vile. In a land so barren, a bush in fire, In a stable's manger, life's quiet choir, Can you see? Can you aspire? A paradigm shift, a holy desire. Stand in the holy wasteland, bear, Remove your shoes, breathe fresh new air. Begin anew, with heart laid bare. -Written Steven G. Lee (December 27, 2023) "God called to him out of the bush... Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground" (Exodus 3:4-5). Nearly 60% of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community are members who have been baptized in our church. Homelessness (Mt 25:31-46) can be caused by Family violence Mental health issues Physical health issue e.g. accident at work and bills mount up Loss of employment, under-employment or inability to gain a new job Limited housing / rental stress Drug and alcohol addiction (which can occur after being homeless) Traumatic Experiences.