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Yesterday Mexico celebrated the birth of their most respected and beloved president, Benito Juarez. He was resident at the same time as Abraham Lincoln was president in the U.S. Both presidents fought for basic human rights. Abraham Lincoln fought to end slavery. Benito Juarez fought for the rights of the poor who were being oppressed by the government, rich landowners, and the Catholic Church. Today I offer a lament for all those who live in countries that are being denied their basic human rights.
In the shadows of tyranny, where basic human rights are denied,
Millions suffer silently, their voices unheard, their dreams pushed to the side.
As chains of oppression tighten, hope flickers like a dying flame,
In lands where justice is but a distant, forgotten name.
Benito Juarez once said, “Respect for the rights of others means peace.”
Yet in these lands, peace is but a fleeting illusion, a mirage in the desert of despair.
Abraham Lincoln echoed, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
But the rulers turn a blind eye, deaf to the cries of the oppressed, consumed by greed and power.
In lamenting this oppression, let us remember the words of Isaiah 1:17:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
May these words kindle a fire of courage and compassion,
To stand with the downtrodden, to fight for justice and freedom,
Until every heart beats with dignity, and every soul soars in liberty’s embrace.
Today is International Day of the Woman. This lament and prayer is from the Salvation Army website and is for all women who have suffered in the past or are presently experiencing injustice and oppression.
This Franciscan prayer was originally written for International Women’s Day, and brings before God a lament for the plight of women in abuse, poverty and violence; forgiveness for our own discrimination, and hope for transformation through God.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace:
Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love:
We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.
Where there is injury, pardon:
Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war, violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.
Where there is division, unity:
Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.
Where there is darkness, light; where there is untruth, truth:
Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.
Where there is doubt, true faith:
We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.
Where there is despair, hope:
We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope.
Where there is sadness, new joy:
Help us to see the strength and goodness in all women and men. Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people.
AMEN
Victor is one of the leaders of Foundation For His Ministry’s home for needy children in Baja, Mexico. His older brother and younger brother both died unexpectedly from disease last week. Both were in the prime of life. This lament is for him, and for all those who grieve the loss of family members who died all too soon.
Oh, Victor, burdened soul, hear the echoes of your sorrow,
A lament unfurls for you, in the shadows of tomorrow.
In the chill of night, where grief’s tendrils entwine,
Two brothers lost, their lights ceased to shine.
The elder, a guardian, a beacon of strength,
His presence once towering, now lost at length.
In the tapestry of memories, his laughter did ring,
Now silenced by fate, an unyielding sting.
The younger, full of promise, with dreams yet to dream,
Snatched by illness’s hand, no more songs left to sing.
In the bloom of youth, his flame is now out
He had great potential, of that there’s no doubt.
Oh, Victor, bearer of a heavy burden’s toll,
In the wake of loss, may your wounded heart God console.
May the Good Lord above bring you peace in your plight,
Guiding you through this great darkness of night.
Though tears may fall like rain upon earth,
Know that love will endure, beyond death’s mirth.
In the depths of despair, may hope’s ember burn bright,
As you navigate this labyrinth of sorrow’s deep blight.
Grieve, dear Victor, for the loss that you bear,
But know you’re not alone in this world of care.
In the embrace of loved ones, find strength to stand,
For in unity, we weather grief’s tightening band.
Let memories be the balm to soothe your unrest,
And may healing grace unfold deep in your chest.
Though scars may linger, and pain may persist,
In time, may peace blossom in the gray mist.
Farewell, dear brothers, to your restful sleep,
In Victor’s heart, your memories he’ll eternally keep.
May angels guide you to a tranquil shore,
Where suffering ends, and love reigns evermore.
In the shadow of sorrow, where grief’s weight does press,
One finds strength in scripture, where the Spirit does caress.
From Psalms, let words flow, like a gentle stream,
To soothe the aching heart, and mend the broken dream.
“In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me, LORD.” -( Psalm 86:7) I know that is true.
Oh, Victor, in your anguish, let these words take flight,
In God’s embrace, you’ll find refuge in the night.
In the depths of despair, His mercy abides,
A beacon of hope, in sorrow’s strong tide.
As you journey through the valley, may faith be your guide,
In His steadfast love, may you ever confide.
For though shadows may lengthen, and trials may abound,
His grace, it will lift you, where comfort is found.
Let this verse be a lantern, it will give you insight,
A reminder of His presence, in sorrow’s silent night.
In tender whispers of prayer, you will find release,
And in arms of His mercy, may you experience peace.
To Enjoy God 