Embers of Compassion: A Call to Neighborly Service #208

Embers of Compassion: A Call to Neighborly Service In the shadowed halls where whispers linger, Beneath steeples high and temples proud, A truth unsung, unseen, unwrung, In local streets, not distant clouds. Not miles afar, where waters lie, But here, where flames in closeness pry, The world tempts with its wide embrace, Yet, true mission finds its place In alleys narrow, paths well-trod, Where neighbor's cries to heavens nod. In this digital expanse, where messages fly, Across the globe, under every sky, Is there a corner, untouched, unkindled, Or just spaces, by discord, swindled? Here lies our charge, our ground to tend, Where political and cultural frictions blend. Christian communities, far and wide, In every country, let's decide To quench our neighbor's fire with care, With water from our own well to share. A new tradition, in love, to weave, In mutual aid, to believe and relieve. The gospel's warmth, a near mission, not distant, In acts of kindness, persistent, insistent. Cultural humility, our guide, our light, Listening, learning, in our neighbors' plight. This table we set, rich with diverse fare, A bridge over chasms of despair. In the journey of service, let footsteps find, The ground beneath, a purpose kind. For in reaching out, just next door, We build a community, strong at its core. Our mission, a journey of the heart, Where every small act plays its part. Lessons of history, echoes of past, Lighting our path, vast contrasts cast. In gatherings, not just to align, But to learn love's language, divine. In every question, in every answer sought, A step toward kinship, dearly bought. In the end, not miles, but lives touched measure, Our journey's worth, our truest treasure. In the spirit of the Samaritan, let us find, Our mission in whispers of the kind. The warmth of community, flourishing, dear, When we choose to serve those near. -Written by Steven G. Lee (February 4, 2024)