This is Church

Heartaches shared with just a glance
not afraid to take a chance,
leaning on supportive care, when we are broken
understanding; even if words are left unspoken,
helping mates to stand when they lurch
knowing in our hearts, "this is church"

Comfort is given amidst the mourning
mistakes forgiven by love we're learning,
listening intently to needs and cares
confident and secure when one shares,
reconciled by grace, no need to search
knowing deep in our hearts "this is church"

Gathering to exalt the Lord on high
scattering for service, love to apply,
pretending; not needed for acceptance
united by grace, faith to connect us,
a true family, blessings light our torch
knowing within our healed hearts "this is church"

This poem was a finalist in the August 2023 poetry contest