Gather to Scatter

we gather to surrender
to the Father's heart,
together we remember
what sets us apart.

we scatter to release
the love that we've been shown;
compassion can increase
when we enter the unknown.

we gather to encourage
to spur each one to action,
building up our courage
so, our faith can gain its traction.

we scatter to spread His message
of love and joy and peace,
entering our world of wreckage
so, all the shadows cease.

Note: the "unknown" refers to different circumstances that we are not used to, or where the response by others is not known - not that we are unknown or our future uncertain, for we will always be in God's arms.

This poem was a finalist in the July 2024 poetry contest