I have spread care on slices of broken hearts
Smashed by angry mobs, because they dared
To stand, and standing, stuck out- easy targets;
Abused, threatened, shunned, shamed
By the majority, for daring to be different
For daring to do what others wouldn’t.
Overwhelmed, some apologize, sneak away
To nurse bruised sincerity. Very few dare rise
From where they’re hauled, to stand, push back
To persist though they stick out. As times roll by
They dwindle because it’s no longer accepted
To be you; to be real, to be true to who you are
Without offending someone somewhere. Norm
Now is to swallow without chewing, to swallow
Those who dare to differ thus the world is swept
Along, ready to sink whoever won’t swallow
What it sells, for daring to think, daring to ask
Daring to say no, daring to differ. Safety now
Is to flow than dare to pause, to ask. Roll along
And you’re cool. Dare to be different and be
Sacrificed on the altar of popular opinion:
Still, to yourself, be true despite the price
No prize is dearer than a clear conscience.

Food For Thought: These days, there is abundance of people who are celebrated for standing for nothing and making a song out of it. The world jumps in and dance their tune, celebrating their inebriety. Guess who the fools are? The very few who dare to ask, “What is the sense in this? Why are we going this way? Where is this road leading mankind?” Their equitable questions cackle the ears of a generation that is so quick to thrash values and even quicker to exalt vanity. Those miserable few, who dare to stand out become the victims, haters, joy killers, sadists – all the terrible labels you can imagine are flung at them. You know what that does to our world? It mauls the sincerity of those who would dare to stand out, forbidding them to continue. It murders the courage of those who would dare to stand along, whereas those who feel they must be seen and heard are emboldened to persist in broadcasting their capriciousness. It is very unfortunate but it doesn’t have to be so. We can make a difference: you and me. And we must start by seeking to know the truth, to be grounded in it, and to stand up for truth as often as occasion demands irrespective of wailers and name callers because they’ll always be there. They’ll never have anything better to offer and they’ll never leave the stage for those who do.

Scripture: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16: 33.

Prayer: Dear Lord, when I have to be the only one standing, may I stand without shame or regrets, knowing You are standing right there with me, amen.