Lord Make Us Like Our Kids

Diversity can be a great blessing; it makes the world around us come alive. Sure it comes with challenges, but it also offers us strength. Seeing the world only in black and white creates a dull and lifeless image. Choosing not to see color at all makes us blind to someone else’s reality. Embracing the color around us with its various textures, depths and contrasts can create a beautiful picture.

When I think of the relationships, kinships and friendships that I’m blessed to have as a U.S. Citizen I’m reminded of a quote by Dr. King,

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

This photo brought me joy last year when my friend posted it to social media. This week when it showed up on my timeline, I wanted to cry. The world around them has changed so much that it makes me concerned about their future. I wrote this poem partially for them, but mostly for us. Enjoy!

 

For Our Children’s Sake

 

I am praying for their tomorrow based off the sorrow I feel today.

I am praying that we adults will take notes from them as they play.

They share and forgive freely, may we learn to do the same.

Their time together is dreamy; they don’t call each other names.

If they do it’s something silly and they all begin to smile.

Before long they are all laughing, no one has to go to trial.

Unless we become like them, we don’t get to go to Heaven.

Lord forgive us of our sin; purge out all the leaven.

The yeast of anger makes fear rise, and in turn we react.

The yeast of hate makes us blind, and we see only white and black.

The yeast of deception makes us forget how lovely color is, with its different shades and hues.

Lord, make us like our kids!

When a child gets hurt all play comes to a halt.

Their first concern is safety; their last concern is who is at fault.

Once fault is determined, it is for the sake of forgiving.

Once the apology is accepted, they shake hands and go on living.

Wouldn’t it be nice, if adults did the same?

It’s time to wake up and stop falling for the devil’s games.

He knows that a house divided simply cannot stand.

He stirs up division and confusion to execute his plan.

No one wins in the end, if we all take Satan’s bait.

Will you please join me in praying, for our children’s sake?

Abba Father,

Thank you for reminding us through your word that our wrath does not work your righteousness. We want to know you intimately and serve others intentionally. Replace rumors of war with a hunger to worship. Give us hearts to help and forgive us for speaking words that hurt. Pardon us for allowing pride to override compassion. Thank you that your grace abounds over sin and that mercy triumphs over judgement. Let love be our highest aim and cover a multitude of sins. Remind us that we are your Ambassadors and forgive us for the times that we haven’t represented you well. We wish to truly be that city set on a hill that shines bright for the whole world to see. Forgive us for broadcasting, when we need to tune in. Forgive us for exalting ourselves, when we should be exhorting one another. We want to know you deeply; we love you dearly and need you desperately. Help us to become like little children, so we can inherit your Kingdom.

 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

 

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 & 20 (NIV)

 

Toya Poplar is a photographer, public speaker and poet. Married to her high school sweetheart, Melvin together they are the proud parents of 6 children. The Poplars co-host a monthly group for Christian Artists known as Rhymers for the Lord.  Toya is the author of the book Stop Write There .

Tags: Diversity, God In Our City, Huntsville, Our City On A Hill, Toya Poplar