In this world of distress

we still fear judgement,

trying desperately

to meet the expectations of others

silencing the voice inside of us

that whispers,

“you are worried and distracted

by many things”



Mary sat at Jesus’ feet

and listened

Jesus told us

to feed his sheep

leave your flock to search

for the lost,

take care of the outcast, 

the poor, the weak

and to love your neighbor

like you love yourself



behold there lies the problem

many of us have forgotten

how to love ourselves

or perhaps we have never known,

serving others is essential

but if we cannot understand

the love the spirit 

has for each of us

how can we love others

with the same depth

and compassion



if you want to follow Jesus

you must silence the lies

love yourself,

love the child

born to the refugee mother

and laid in a manger,

sit at his feet

and listen