Uncomfortable

This conversation, God, is uncomfortable.

I'm not complaining, I am only

noticing and acknowledging.

It's uncomfortable because there is shame and guilt.

There is also, sadly, denial.

There is the need to talk

knowing mistakes will be made

as I learn to see through 

the lens of whiteness

into a kaleidoscope of truth.

Being vulnerable is mandatory.

Listening, learning, seeing anew.

Going deep inside

Introspective

self-reflective

learning to notice

and dismantle

all the ways that systemic

racism have taken root in me.

Yes, it is uncomfortable

Get used to it, for

you, I believe are calling us

into the wilderness terrain

into the dialogue

into the work

that leads to awareness

repentance

reparations

reconciliation

and hopefully wholeness.

You, Oh God have created a beautiful world

with so much diversity

each reveals a part of You.

And as a whole, we reveal more of You.

In the whole of You, is the whole of us. 

Amen.

A prayer poem by Terri C. Pilarski