WITH YOUR EYES

What I see is a man
Dirty and thin
In crumpled and tattered clothes.
Too "busy" to take the time
I pass by as he holds out his hand.
What I don't see is the husband
Who lost his job, his home,
His children and wife.
Jesus, help me to see with your eyes.

What I see is a woman
With painted face.
She walks the streets at night
Selling herself to strangers
Just to be able to eat.
What I don't see is the girl
Who was abused and abandoned
By those who should've cared.
Jesus, help me to see with your eyes.

What I see is a world
Lost and in despair.
Searching for worldly fulfillment
Only to find themselves
Emptier than before.
What I don't see is people
Wandering hopelessly in the dark
Waiting for us to show them the Light.
Jesus, help me to see with your eyes.

Susan Atkinson (2006)