Thinking Before We Speak - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

In this time, this moment of reflection
non-violent language
should be lifted up
all of us guilty
none truly innocent
in a world defined by success
on the backs on another
in the rat race, the brass ring
beating our brother

Thinking before speaking
the scars that can be avoided
the danger in shouting
fire in a crowded room
all of us burdened,
weakened by the tenor
the language of hate
when we should be working together
striving for better
for our nation, our world

Look to Jesus
to the teachings of our Savior
Love telling us
Love should be our way
All of us unworthy
by God’s grace alone redeemed
all of us brothers, sisters
needing the Love of God

January 17, 2011
The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2011
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._Day
&
Isaiah 9:1-4
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 17 to 23, 2011
“Carrying God’s Light”
by Cathie McFadden
for January 17, 2011
read January 17, 2011
&
Isaiah 6:1-8
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Human Relations Sunday
http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.3833821/k.5074/Special_Sunday__Human_Relations_Day__Overview.htm

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.