For the past five years, I have spent Thanksgiving with friends out here on the west coast to avoid unreasonable airline costs. And it is just as easy today as it was growing up to appreciate the divine gifts of community, nourishment, and love that surround me.
This year, I am thinking about some of the justice areas that need thanking too. The struggles of radical disciples seeking to bring our world one step closer to the kingdom of God. And as I reflected on these powerful, ongoing efforts, I felt the urge to write a poem to capture my gratitude in verse, and had some fun with it. Here goes:
Horn of Plenty
I'm thankful for queer advocates
Who bear their flags with pride,
And for the fierce straight allies
Crusading ever by our side.
For calls for reformation
In our prisons gaining steam,
Our racist system's overcrowded
And bursting at the seam.
For our gorgeous blue-green planet
With a climate where life can thrive,
And the environmental movement
Intent to keep it all alive.
When Muslims, Jews and Christians,
Work together in unity,
And learn from one another,
In their bountiful diversity
With access to clean water,
I think you and I pray
For the billion other people
Who go thirsty every day.
A horn of plenty with love, peace
And justice overflowing,
Is set before us at the table,
But we must keep it growing.
With gratitude,
Sean Patrick Coady
Associate Director