Not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion.
The second step is trying to catch stones thrown by others.
Elder Dale G Renlund
Lord, make me a stone catcher.
Lift my eyes to the places I might not see in my daily walk. Help me notice where gravel is churned up behind double wide wheels, where American Flags flap next to black banners, engines revving in arrogance. Give me side roads to steer to safety those pocked by the churning.
Strengthen my fingers to grasp rocks and bricks hurled into sacred places. Hold me accountable to drop those weapons to the ground when it is not necessary to throw them back. But give me courage to throw when I need to.
Stretch my arms to reach the doorsteps of frightened immigrants, regardless of national status. Give me tenacity to hold them up when they become tired. Find companions like Aaron and Hur who held the arms of Moses so he could raise his staff. Make me that companion to others as well. Let us take turns in the lifting.
Plant my feet firmly on solid ground. Let the waters of distrust flow around me. Toughen my skin to resist the comfort of complacency.
And when I rest, give me peaceful rest, to restore and rejuvenate for the catching tomorrow. Let me rest in Jesus, whose power remains my hope and salvation.
Then let me rise in the light of my Lord. Make my hands his, and his mine, so that in the catching of stones my palms are also marked in holiness.
 |
| "Receive" by David Edward Linn |
 |
| "Forbid" by David Edward Linn |
