By Nannette Banks

Dare to love somebody

Not just those you know

but those yet born and all who stand in between

it’s not easy once you have experienced the

force of the brute, the hate of the bigot and the blow of the batterer

Dare to love somebody until it feels abnormal not to, love

dare to love in the moment when that’s all you have to offer because you’re left

speechless, you don’t

have the physical strength to carry on and your fleshy heart is waiting to break

free

give love, hope love, risk love, dare to love somebody even yourself without limits or

restrictions

without borders that seal you in and keep others out…

It’s a process

some have lived it even when little to no love was returned

as stones were being thrown,

fire hoses aimed at full blast

dogs tearing at human flesh

they  dared to live their love  for freedom and justice

they dared to love just the thought of you and me

are we willing to love like that…Daringly

are we willing to love like that…Costly

are we willing to love like that…Fearlessly

and it’s your choice, but are you willing to love like that

are we willing to rail against the New Jim Crow

are we willing to rail against the disregarded for education

are we willing to move from our seats to the streets

are we willing to love like that..Daringly

are we willing to love like that…Costly

are we willing to love like that…Fearlessly

and it’s your choice, but are you willing to love like that

because somebody, because God sacrificed and dared to love us first…

“I Dare You” Penned By: Nannette E. Banks ©January 16, 2014

Chicago native Rev. Nannette Banks (United Church of Christ) is a world traveler, people and poetry lover who believes in the power of worship and the sacraments to liberate and set free all who are marginalized and oppressed –for the table was set in the presence of (my) the enemy. She is featured in several publications  most recently Brimming With God – To Give or Not To Give -Pickwick Publications and Wellsprings Journal Body, Oppression and Gospel – Theological Reflection.  Currently she is working on her Doctor of Ministry Degree. She holds a Masters of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, A Masters in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelors of Art from Aurora University.