"I Know How It Feels"

"I know how it feels to be misrepresented.
I know how it feels to be made into a caricature.
I know how it feels to be marginalized.
I know how it feels to have no one listen to Me.
I know how it feels to have no one care about what I think.
I know how it feels to have people object when I try to speak.

I know how it feels when My name and image
are used for profit and peoples' own selfish goals.
I know how it feels to be used as a 'mascot'
by people who claim they are 'honoring' Me.
I know how it feels because many who claim to be My people
have disregarded My teachings and My commands.

I know how it feels when 'My people' would rather
continue to ignore Me than change their ways.
I know how it feels when 'My people' value tradition
more than they value My feelings.
I know how it feels when 'My people' reject Me
in favor of their own idea of who I am.

Can you hear Me, My people?
Can you hear the cry of the one you call 'Lord'?
Can you let go of the myths you believe about your nation?
Can you repent of creating and following your own image of Me?
Can you seek justice for the 'least of these' among you?
Or will you continue to justify your ways to My face?"

*****

Art: "No Honor"