This poem the Lord stirred after sitting with a precious one seeking answers about Jesus and His ways. It came rather quickly of this one’s “experience with the church.” She found little love in the body of Christ as a youngster trying to find her way. I cried all the way home and until I fell asleep over the mishandling of this little heart. If we could realize the harm we cause at times…it can be so debilitating for others seeking answers. It can leave lasting scars that they then have to overcome with Christ. I whispered to the Lord in tears as I drove home…”Lord, do you know how long it takes me to undo what our people have done…?” I couldn’t shake it for hours. He wanted this one to see love, concern, gentleness, care, long suffering, and a willingness to let her wrestle with The Word and what it looks like to follow Jesus. It’s part of the process at times. He delicately navigated my heart to hers and I fell in love with all He saw in this little one. I could trust Him with her…..to allow her to search…and I knew He was at work.

I find similar issues among this generation. They hear nothing more than clanging cymbals. The pounding of the fist and the hurling of God’s Words…yet no tenderness of heart or cry of our heart that originates from the heart of God. My words must be coupled with action. My love must sit long with people, walk through darkness with them, help them wrestle the thing out….it’s how trust is built….so others will feel safe then to listen and hear truth.

They are a street-wise generation and can see through self righteousness and arrogance. They abhor religion and can see straight through those who are not authentically and genuinely concerned for them. They have become deaf to our preaching and numb to our methods. They want to know will we love them where they are? Will we allow them to wrestle with the truth until they are fully ready to surrender to Jesus….Will we be there when their lives unravel or are we all talk? We will be like Jesus at the well and give them living water… or leave them more thirsty than even before…

There is a generation in need

Who is looking for transparency

They are broken by religious wounding

So have turned from further inquiring.

Yet, Some find an entryway

They seem to allow us to brave

It’s one of gentle embrace

When we draw back the curtain of grace.

It’s where truth is given with balm

That heals the wounds and the wrongs

Where the yelling of words don’t exist

And the Spirit of God comforts men.

For a darkness has covered the church

Hiding the light of Christ’s Word

Resisting the fruits of His heart

And leaving men and women in the dark.

They’ll listen if softness does come

And silence the bickering tongues 

Then to our Father they’ll run

When we draw back the curtain of love.

September 2, 2017