Lent-Day 11

This one is for the youth group here at First Pres Newport. I mean it with all the love and hope I can offer. This is not directed at anyone in particular; think of it more as a call to the whole group to draw together.

it begins with respect

a recognition that anyone else's voice

carries a value equal to yours

that despite the constant lure

to draw attention to yourself

there is a time and a place

and this is a sacred space

for sharing

open to one another

compassionate

sisters and brothers

that care

your pain is my pain

your joy is my joy

community

this is yours

to shape and mold

but you have to trust

to hold each other as

special

unique

when you feel attacked

you turn the other cheek

the language and tone must be

tranquility

not anger

not frustration

no matter the situation

each person in that circle has to be willing to look around

at every other person there

and see a beloved child of God

and they deserve your ears

your silence

your heart

and your respect.