All Nations

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt 28:16-21

All Nations

We are so different your words
are guttural and mine lilting, vanishing
our skins pale and dark, dry from weather
soft from sand, water and wind
we face east, west, north, south
all our gifts are welcome
all are understood.


We are formed of the earth
formed of the breath of God
and called good by our Creator.

Our children run wild and are carried bound
we cut our hair in morning walk urban streets
blend with the culture and dance with the tide
and dream of family gathered round a shared fire
a common plate, a common bowl, a common cup.

We are formed of the earth
formed of the breath of God
and called good by our Creator.

Our elders tells the stories in ancient tongues
through cracked lips and deep set eyes,
they laugh at our worry and anxiety
speak of loss and removal and vanishing words
and they hold the babies close and sparkle
as they sternly look over the great grand children.

We are formed of the earth
formed of the breath of God
and called good by our Creator.

Our songs are strange to one another and to others
the stories they tell known by heart, felt deep
we honor and pray, we laugh and dance aching
to be made whole and complete in God's design
walking in beauty and singing in the night.

We are formed of the earth
formed of the breath of God
and called good by our Creator.