A Call to Hope

I don’t usually write poetry, but this is what came out on paper when I sat down to sift through all my sentiments related to the racial tension in our country. This poem has nothing to do with politics or a specific agenda… it’s simply my reflection on the fractured human race and my desire for no one to ever feel “less than.”

These thoughts are based on more than the events of the last few months — they arise from several years of personal observations, candid conversations, and education. And while I know we won’t see full redemption and restoration this side of heaven, I do believe Christ calls us to pursue justice, reconciliation, and peace while on this earth.

This is my pledge to do just that.

“A Call to Hope”

by Kelley Brown

Headlines of stories, long suppressed

Voices cry with desperate pleas

To open eyes and hear afresh

Of hatred that has failed to cease

Wearied hearts, hope hesitates        

Years of talk but little change

Emancipation still awaits                 

When racial strife no longer reigns 

As unsung songs and tales untold

Are brought to light, and truth breaks free

We face the lies we’ve bought and sold

And mourn what we’ve refused to see

For words unsaid or spoken slurs

For second glances unprovoked

For fears unfounded, thoughts impure

Beleaguered lives, injustice stoked              

The hype dies down, but work remains

To unearth bias buried deep

To right the wrongs that long wrought pain

To sow the peace we long to reap

To fight for justice, open doors

For honest discourse, mutual trust

Dismantling culture’s unjust mores

Restoring souls we’ve hurt or crushed 

May moments marked in history 

Elicit more than tears or rage

Lord, help this be a catalyst

To light the path and set the stage

I dream one day we’ll stand in awe   

Of triumph that seemed out of reach

The power of grace to bridge the gap  

A chasm caused by racial breach

I dream one day our eyes will see   

One first and foremost, heart and soul  

A fractured human race redeemed  

A fair world reached, not just a goal

For change to come, we join your fight

To tear down this dividing wall

Our faith compels us to unite 

And seek prosperity for all

Agendas, politics aside 

The Golden Rule is our appeal

Let selflessness and sacrifice       

Bring forth equality’s ideal

The road is long, the path unclear

To make our world more just and fair

But take the lead and know I’m here

To listen, act, correct, repair

I vow to work and stay the course

To shape this world we visualize

And with God’s help and humble hearts

I do believe hope will arise.