Always be prepared

to make a defense

to anyone who asks

for a reason

   for the hope

   that is in you;

yet do it with gentleness

           and respect.

            1 Peter 3. 15

(How do I navigate

     this difficult situation,

     this defeat,

     this impossible person,

     even this triumph,

differently

   because I am a believer?

Others are watching

              continually

to see what difference

     God makes in your life

and to see if God is real.)

O LORD,

Please make us aware

to the needs around us

and to be Your salt and

light and healing

    in dark and difficult places,

even when we do not know

      that others are watching

      and impacted by

  what we do and say

         and our attitude.

Please let our hope in You

        be evident

and to live in such a way

  that others are compelled

       to ask "why."

You are that why.

For Your glory.