Heather Jephcott writes

Strangers no more 

As I traveled through the land,

near and far,

around the edges

through the towns, the villages

and into the deepest jungles

I noticed.......

There were no strangers

everyone was a friend, a colleague,

I was welcomed by everyone

arms were wide open to receive.

I was a new arrival

but I did not feel like a foreigner

rather, strong feelings overwhelmed me

of finally being totally at home,

belonging to the land, to the people.

I had instantly become part of one big happy family

where all who came were never guests

never visiting, always staying.

No one could intrude

as once anyone arrived

they immediately became an insider

there were never ever any outsiders.

The welcoming was beautiful....

eyes would light up in recognition

even when it was a first time meeting

All walls of separation

had been totally destroyed

all veils of alienation had been ripped

top to bottom.

Love and grace

forgiveness, acceptance

had already taken down all barriers

and those who entered this

most amazing kingdom

enjoyed pure, healthy

enduring relationships.

I was delighted as I saw

no signs of the poor, the wealthy,

all were providing for, being provided for,

no one had sense of ownership over another.

All skin colours were seen

as equally beautiful

the old, the young and in-between

were all equally honoured.

The walls of gender did not exist

and neither did religious divisions.

As the glorious music continued

harmoniously encouraging

one and all,

I knew this was the place

I never wanted to leave

an everlasting kingdom

where joy, light, love and mercy

flowed without limit. 

 

 Welcome Stranger -- Cathie Joy Young