...the shepherd's gentle might

In an age where proving toughness and strength sometimes seems more important than proving almost anything else, I am weary of the posing, sick to death of the posturing.

The stockpiling of arms has overshadowed the work of helping hands. The threat behind clenched fists has outpaced the goodwill symbolized by linking arms.

It is overwhelming.

But there has always been a voice, crying in the wilderness. It has called us to a higher way. It has called us to drop our defenses, and throw down our weapons, and stop using our power to oppress the powerless.

It has called us to the might that is revealed in gentleness, to the shepherd's way.

He will nurture his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in arm, close to his heart, and gently lead those with young.-Isaiah 40:11/para.laca. 

...for all the days that are

You are my shepherd, 
you meet needs I do not know.
You find peace for me in lovely places,
rest where waters refresh instead of threaten;
my spirit regains its wholeness in your care.
Because of who you are 
you help me walk the path.
When the trail cuts the valley, 
and shadows grow purple and deep,
your presence and your promise
keep my fear at bay;
your protection, even your teaching,
are a comfort in the dark.
You set a fellowship table in the open,
refusing to let me treat the other as enemy;
you set me aside for a special thing;
it is so much, I can't take it all in.
My God, your good grace and mercy 
will be my traveling companions 
all my life long;
and I will count your dwelling as my
place of abiding for all the days that are.
Psalm 23 (para. laca)