Midweek: Manifesto of Who I Long to Be

The following is from K.J. Ramsey's book, The Book of Common Courage. I have shared her work before, and I think her poetry captures the pathos of our humanity and the awe of the God who loves us and endures with us anyway. In our weakness and finitude, this awesome God hears our cries for help and our determination to draw near Him and serve Him. May the declaration that follows be our heart's purest offering to Him.

We would rather be shattered than silenced.

We would rather be disturbed than dismissive.

We would rather be heartbroken than hollow.

We would rather be vulnerable than vacuous.

We would rather be burdened than bullies.

We would rather be maligned than mean.

We would rather be aching than arrogant.

We would rather be vilified than vain.

We would rather be crushed than cruel.

God, bind up all the broken pieces of me and your church.

We would rather be in your hands than never at home.

We would rather hurt now than never heal.

~ K.J. Ramsey, The Book of Common Courage