I am presenting a poem that is timely.

A Poem by Martin Niemöller 

concerning Germany under Hitler - from a man who was there (more about him further down)

 First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Note:

The poem  expresses Niemöller’s belief that Germans had been complicit through their silence in the Nazi imprisonment, persecution, and murder of millions of people.... He felt this to be especially true of the leaders of the Protestant churches.

Note to Doves -  We are very close to this happening today. The fear people feel is leading them in a bad direction. The spirit of fear hinders love and a sound mind and the full power of God in our life.  (2 Timothy 1:7 "God hasn't give us a spirit of fear but of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind.") And - The President's speech yesterday on mandates (and the talk from powerful voices in our society) is pushing us toward this kind of persecution. 

We need to pray.... And we need sermons in our churches on combating the spirit of fear and on how this current situation can lead to persecution.

The author of the poem lived from 1892 to 1984. He was a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany. There are different versions of the quotation. These exist because Niemoller himself varied it in a number of different settings and in impromptu speeches. He wanted to warn that it could happen again. 

Many years ago, I (Mary) personally heard a Jewish woman speak publicly about her German imprisonment. She said that the back fence of her camp bordered a Catholic church. One day she saw people outside by the Catholic church. She called out to them to beg them to throw some bread over to her. They picked up rocks and threw them over the fence at her.

Today - Will the church rise up to defend those who are marked for persecution or will their fear result in looking the other way?  And will the church take note that the more we do what they want, the more they want us to do  - while those in charge often and openly break their own rules.   

Just a thought -  Maybe there is someone you could share this poem with in order to  remind them of what this current kind of talk can lead to. I know some of you are thinking that if you sent it, the reaction would not be good. Sadly, this current situation is separating friends and families..... How easily the forces of darkness have caused division. God help us.

Mary