Misunderstood

a poem for those Jesus calls blessed.

Misunderstood

Written in the Spring of 2021.

There are those who will misunderstand your humility for disgrace
They will pity you, chide you, and patronize you
Be wounded anyway

There are those who will misunderstand your childlike wonder for immaturity
They will excuse you, silence you, and overlook you
Be free anyway

There are those who will misunderstand your vulnerability for weakness
They will judge you, step on you, and steal from you
Be seen anyway

There are those who will misunderstand your simplicity for poverty
They will avoid you, tolerate you, and pity you
Be real anyway

Resist the allure of tossing your pearls in the mud of their shame
Hidden, but surely to be trampled
A deadly escape

Gather them, hold them close to your heart, then be on the Way
You will walk this road alone for only so long
Strength unto strength

One day you will come upon a field where your pearls will be planted like seeds
Amongst miles of others who spring up in all colors
Flowers of humanity