by Gloria Shell Mitchell
Who cares…
When there’s a church on every corner with two or three gathered in His name
When God’s holy sanctuary is brittle, and riddled with shame
When mass shooters seek to kill to gain instant fame
By targeting unsuspecting people, who bear no blame?
Who cares…
When speaking the name Jesus is forbidden and there’s no justice in society
When people prey on bedridden seniors and the guilty go scot-free
When racial strife and major issues divide the nation and each city
While politicians practice rivalry and focus on some triviality?
Who cares…
When children are abused, neglected or rejected and taken to foster care,
When collusion provides opportunity and they are sexually abused there
When angry people have no outlet, no one with whom to share
And mental health is available if they can afford to pay their fare?
Who cares…
When loved ones with dementia go missing and resources caregivers lack
When the poor are given a handout, not a helping hand to get on track
When lying scammers and telemarketers, seniors cannot hold back
And a bad decision results in suicide or homicide following a hack?
Who cares…
When trafficking abounds, whether human, sex, organ, or drugs
When people are money lovers, selfish, devoid and deprived of hugs
When lust for power, possessions and position, leads to becoming thugs
And shocked spectators sweep societal ills under rugs?
Who cares…
When deep-rooted issues go unaddressed; the kind that make your temperature rise
When a victim of domestic violence or bullying cries or dies
When a child’s sexual identity changes, and parents are caught by surprise
And their hopes and dreams for the future suffer demise?
Who cares…
When children fail to listen, but are expected to excel at school
When they lack respect for authority and have not learned the golden rule
When ignored pleas for discipline lead to court visits and the correction tool—
Incarceration or being mishandled by police officers who are cruel?
Who cares…
When furry, four-legged children inherit wealth and in the finest homes are found
When fast foods, that lead to lifestyle diseases, in low-income neighborhoods abound
When homeless humans, trash, and tents clutter sidewalks, and rodents surround
Disgusted pedestrians, forced into the streets, walk on by without making a sound?
Who cares…
When abortion clinics are positioned near schools and condoms are free
When a dwindling military mandates enrollment for nonwhites in J.R.O.T.C.
When a security job, expungement and credit repair, is all some foresee
Yet demanding top pay for menial work is their plea?
Who cares…
When voting ballots come in many languages, and border crossings no one can stop
When ethnic communities spring up, and gentrification causes residents to swap
When the national debt all citizens should bear, including the cream of the crop
Yet some pay no taxes while the poor are taxed to the hilt, if only floors they mop?
Who cares…
When uninsured motorists, auto thieves and the unlicensed in the streets speed
When drivers disobey traffic rules, make illegal turns and perhaps they can’t read
When some lose their way because signposts defaced by graffiti they need
And others influenced by prescription and mind-altering substances pay no heed?
Who cares…
When usury occurs at check cashing sites, on a tax refund advance or payday loan
When the lottery is supposed to help schools, but salaries make teachers moan
When credit card debt hinders some from renting or buying a home of their own
And though businesses are hiring, applicants are few, and skilled interviewers groan?
Who cares…
When protesters attack lawmakers and a mask mandate makes people shout and pout
When in a pandemic, the fate of the World Heath Organization lies in doubt
When by coronavirus medical professionals plus millions get wiped out
While AI and online activity increases, decreases in employment make people act out?
Who cares? God cares…
When we obey: “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray”
When we seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, that’s His solution for us today
When He promises to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land, come what may
Our Creator shows that He cares, regardless of what we think, do or say.
God cares for you, and I care enough to pray:
Dear God,
You instructed us in 1 Peter 5:7 to “cast all our cares upon you, because you care for us.” So,
When we call upon you with musings like this, hear us and answer our prayers
When we need guidance, give us wisdom and knowledge, too
When we are fearful, show us your power
When we are troubled, give us peace and teach us to rest in you
When we suffer sickness, pain and shame, heal us
When we don’t understand our purpose, make your plans clear
When we fail to obey your word, remind us
When we do what’s right in our own eyes, correct us
When we grieve with those who grieve, comfort us
When we hold onto the fierce emotion of anger, calm us
When we realize that you love us, give us a thankful heart
When we feel that all hope is gone, draw near to us, because
You are the God who cares.
Amen