CTZN : written poem
Photo : Judah Mikah
Oh say why can’t you see?
God shed his grace on thee
drop the pomp and circumstance
and turn off the TV
you’re allowing that anchor, to drown your peace
see this world has voluntarily condoned this panic mode
wearing that mask over your eyes
but it’s not protecting you from being infected by rancid lies
that are far more contagious than a virus
and more dangerous than those who vandalize
if you were really woke, you wouldn’t choke on your fear
and hold your breath waiting for the next news update to appear
your self defined love
is now just a narrative
that has become
selfish and hostile
the American dream is one of prosperity
and last I checked
that’s a false gospel
it’s a tale that we’re told that
riches make us worthy so we
study, work and save
to retire when we’re old
for that house with the yard
and the car
oh I know you’ve tried so hard
to be a good person
with all that you’ve learned for that high GPA
the degree you earned that got you the job with a 401K
and now your kid’s on the honor roll
as you’re clinging to results of every exit poll
when you die what does it show?
none of this has any power
to save your soul
the gates of hell can impale our skyline
but they will not prevail against the church or the promise
that no weapon formed against us will prosper
so I honor my flag
but I pledge allegiance to my heavenly Father
land of the free
home of the brave
but it’s only the hand of God
that can free every slave
He created us
He painted our skin
He gave us all breath
that matters to Him
a life that begins
in the womb
for every black, brown, red, white and blue
trust in His sovereignty
not these politicians
party lines are important but they are not our mission
Christ hung on a cross for more than this debate
He was sent to save sinners
not red or blue states
every system in this world is passing away
His kingdom come
His will be done
He is the justice we crave
and although we fight to attain and protect our rights
I pray at times we might refrain
rather than hinder the gospel of Christ
politics and governments
corrupt and cruel
the Romans that crucified
were wicked too
how did Jesus respond?
throw a fit like a fool?
no.
“Father forgive them.”
He said
“For they know not what they do.”
I thank God for the soldiers
who fought and died so I could say this
I thank God for a country
that allows me to freely praise Him
but my stars are the art of my God
who spoke them into the infinite sky
my stripes are His that healed my wounds
my laws are his that show me my sin
and singe my heart
if I start to lean on someone other than Him
We have a beautiful country
comfortable under a blanket of mercy and grace
but I’m a citizen of one kingdom that bows to God
consisting of every tribe, tongue, nation
erasing man made race
so as I cast my vote for candidate
to serve me as president
I won’t ignore what matters more
who I serve
and my King
is Heaven sent
freedom is not what
but Who
I represent
CTZN by Londyn Rayne
