A Cry for the Homeless at Heart

If you feel politically homeless,
If the places and people you trusted no longer feel safe,
If you've been left behind or left out in your church,

If you are ashamed and angry for the wrongs of society,
If the brokenness and injustice you see scare you,
But the disapproval of your family, friends, or church scares you even more,

If the to-do list for Christians has become the opposite of what you signed up for,
If a gentle and quiet spirit seems unattainable,
If you want to serve the Kingdom instead of just talk—but you don't know how,

If you feel like a foreigner in the places you've always been,
And homesick for a place you've never been,
And lonely for someone—anyone—to stand beside you,

Stop for a moment.
Tell God your fears and feelings.
Cry if you want, or punch a pillow.
Feel the weight of it all—even when it hurts.

Then, stand up.
Take a deep breath; wash your face; open your eyes.

Hope—our Savior won by suffering;
Joy—God's upside-down kingdom is coming.
Turn your face toward your Savior, and take a step in his direction.
Because he cares for you—he sees you—he is calling.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

—Matthew 5:3–11