I recently found this in a pile of papers. I think it is so meaningful, especially with all of the vitriol, the hateful comments on T.V. and social media sites. I'm tired of one side castigating the other on whatever issue: politics, religion, pro-choice/pro-life...
*Substitute any words you like after, "Who made me sputter and gasp": druggies, gays, prostitutes, Democrats, Republicans, any race or religion.
Folks In Heaven
I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven's door,
not by the beauty of it all, not by the lights or decor,
But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp-- *
the thieves, the liars, the sinners,the alcoholics, the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade who'd swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice.
Uncle Bill, who I always thought was rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine,looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal? I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here? God must've made a mistake.
And why's everyone so quiet, so somber? Give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He. "They're all in shock.
No one thought they'd see you."
~ J. Taylor Ludwig~
My comments: Because we disagree with, disapprove of or despise someone's behavior or choices, does not mean we should despise the person. What the world needs now is LOVE. I am saddened by all of the negativity, and this has less to do with the upcoming election than you might imagine. I feel like the entire world is in crisis and chaos.
17 comments:
Basic civility and kindness are gone. We've let our children be disrespectful to us (maybe that's just me), and disrespectful to other adults.
We don't know our neighbors, so we sure can't care about them. We isolate ourselves in our comfy homes and don't venture outside to see the beauty in nature or in the people.
We're distracted and selfish and in too much of a hurry to see if the person beside us needs our help.
When I smile at a stranger, many do not smile back - instead, they look suspiciously at me, assessing my motives.
Oscar Wilde would describe us as cynics - We know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
We need a little kindness in every day...give some, you may get some in return.
Yup, you're right, Linda. The world, it seems, at times has gone mad.
But you know what? We cannot get too discouraged. We must work to make the world a better place, even if it's just in our own little corner.
While there are many terrible things about society, there are good things, too. And for all the "shmucks" in the world, there are many fabulous, kind, loving and generous people.
So we do our little part and leave the rest to God. Susan
Kim,
You have certainly assessed the social climate correctly.
Susan,
You are right, one person can make a difference.
Be the change you want to see.
Yes, one person can make a huge difference. Look at the kids you work with. Hopefully, that will make you hopeful...
I agree with you..and with Kim. I have always tried to make my corner better but it is pretty hard to do anymore. I wish there were some major campaign that helped us turn the tide on this. Imagine a blurb that guided us towards gentility being shown as much as Crest or Viagra commercials! Could not hurt.
Sioux,
I would like us worldwide to hold hands, encircle the globe and sing in perfect harmony. You are right, it all begins with one person.
Claudia,
Your comments would make a the perfect newspaper editorial.
Amen and amen.
Oh I like that one Linda - thanks for sharing it. It is so true - He's a God of second chances and we need to give others that too.
Love, sandie
Where have all the parents gone? The ones who instil respect, civility, reason, fairness, tolerace, truthful....well, you know. The regular stuff.
Well said, Kim. Cynicism is a cycle Change rests with the generation who cares to end it.
Couldn't agree with you more Linda, and as much as I like facebook, I think a lot of these social networking sites have a lot to answer for. People seem to think they can just say what they like on them, however vitriolic, hurtful or rude. Common decency seems to have just gone out of the window in a lot of cases. I despair sometimes!! All we can do is to try and make things good and kind in our own little corner of the world.
I love this - particularly the last two lines! Brilliant:-)
I agree with your assessment. That's one of the reasons I can only take so much of the news before I have to bury my head in a book.
Pat
Critter Alley
Great reminder, Linda! Lovelovelove the poem!
Great poem, Linda. Thanks for sharing. It certainly puts things into perspective. And you're right. It sometimes seems that chaos rules.
Loved the poem.
And I was thinking similar things just this morning, about my judgments and how they are surely placed on me as well.
We all need reminders of this...
Pearl
I know EXACTLY what you mean. As my kids would say, "Why can't we all just get along????"
Simple to say. Not so simple to do.
(Thanks for the poem/reminder!)
Hopefully those of us who care enough will make a difference for the generations to follow.
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