it's not just one of you
it's so many of you
I see their words
the quotation marks they use
questioning the legitimacy of your calling
because of who you are
because you're a woman 
because you're queer
because you're gay or lesbian
because you're trans or non-binary
because you're disabled or neurodivergent
because you're not who they think God could possibly call

and every time I see those words
my heart breaks for you
I know many of you have grown accustomed to this hate
have learned to ignore their outrage
have thickened your skin
and learned to lean into God's calling
regardless of the hate thrown your way
and that is a beautiful and powerful thing

but I also remember how those words land
not every time 
sometimes you laugh them off
sometimes you roll your eyes and sigh
and move on because God has given 
you much more important tasks

but sometimes the words stick
not a serious cut
just a tiny prick 
on top of so many 
tiny pricks and prods and pokes
in the tenderest spot
where you are both strongest and most vulnerable
the spot where you know God's calling

in those moments 
know that you are seen
know that those who have heard those same words
even if we've left our callings behind 
we feel that pain with you
we see how God has called you
not despite of what makes you uniquely you
but because of what makes you uniquely you
because you're a woman 
because you're queer
because you're gay or lesbian
because you're trans or non-binary
because you're disabled or neurodivergent
because you're not who they think God could possibly call
that is exactly why God has called you

and we stand alongside you
offering our strength and our care
our ears, virtual or real
our understanding and our prayers
and when we can, even ourselves as shields 
so you can stay focused on the work
to which you are most definitely called

This is only the second time I’ve recorded myself reading one of my poems, but words on a page didn’t seem enough.

For those of you this is written for, I wanted you to be able hear them these words from the voice of a friend, in case that’s what you need to remind you.