Be Kind

Be Kind

It is arrogance not love
When we judge someone
Based on our religious beliefs 
Without walking in their shoes
Without holding their hand...

I am not LBGTQIA+
But, I know they have 
Hearts and minds and souls
And can choose whom to love
But they have been treated heartlessly
Let's share space equally
And be kind

I am not a pregnant woman 
But, I know they have
Hearts and minds and souls
And can choose when to birth
But they have been treated heartlessly
Let's share space equally
And be kind

I am not a person of color
But, I know they have 
Hearts and minds and souls
And can choose how to live
But, they have been treated heartlessly
Let's share space equally
And be kind

I am not Muslim or Jewish or ...
But I know they have
Hearts and minds and souls
And can choose how to worship
But, they have been treated heartlessly 
Let's share space equally
And be kind

If the followers of Christ were Christlike
They would start at the top
With their vilification
The manufacturers of guns and drugs
The promotors of sex trafficking
The corrupt and greedy corporations
And the politicians that they 'own'

And if the followers of Christ were Christlike
Would rectify 
The lack of universal health care--
Including mental health
They would home the homeless
And feed the hungry
And care for the children
The disabled, the elders
And promote truth in education
Teaching children how to think
Not what to think

What a waste
Of Christ's beautiful message
To mutter 'thoughts and prayers'
Instead of helping 
The Davids of this world 
Topple Goliath--the corrupt corporations 
So we can share space equally
And live in kindness.

barbjbeyers 2022