Hurricanes and the Gospel

Hurricanes of religious bigotry, ferociously intense
Lash the shores of mutual respect and trust
Threatening a tempest wild; turbulence of recrimination
riled
Lightening bolts of intemperate speech, thunder claps of
loud harangue
Answered by cyclonic messages threatening to sweep all into
destructive despair

Yet, there comes the gentle breeze of peace
From above the blackened skies severe
A calmness of faith and love that, if encouraged by prayer,
Can turn the raging tempest into waters of understanding,
As Jesus spoke and the storm on the Sea of Gallilee subsided

Quiet winds of gentleness, meekness, "Blessing those who curse you."
"Doing good to those who despitefully use you."


Hurricanes and the Gospel (c) 2002 Quentin Clingerman

Author's note: In order not to build resentment and stir religious hatred in this nation, it is imperative that we all respect one another whatever our religion. We need not accept or agree with another's religion to respect his/her right to believe as he/she wishes. Listening to one another with mutual respect will go a long way to alleviate fear and mistrust. It is the heart of the Gospel that we "hold fast our faith" and "do onto others as we would have them do unto us."