A Poetic Response to the Doctrine of Discovery

Our Hearts Exchanged cohort spent time learning about the Doctrine of Discovery through readings, videos, stories and conversation. We had taken in the magnitude of how contrary to the way of Jesus this was and how incredibly inappropriate it was for the church to make such a declaration. We felt the weight of its harm and destruction. Reading and processing it together was an important part of the exchanging hearts experience. We were invited to respond, here is my poetic lament that was part of my Hearts Exchanged journey.

Lament, sadness, pain,

dislocation, degradation, disdain,

broken people, hearts, and lives

Tragic trauma. No one thrives.

How can this be?

for those who claim to be--

Christ followers, you and me

The One who loved, accepted everyone

Valued, created equal, left out none

Lord forgive us, and help us to be 

full of love, listening, learning in humility–

Respecting, sharing, giving dignity

—-more like Thee.

Lord, give us ears to hear and eyes to see

Seeking justice that all may be free,

Speaking truth with courage and tenacity

Pursueing conciliation that all be made right

Ensuring the future be different

for First Nations– hopeful, and bright. 

It’s not up to us yet there’s so much for us to do

Move us, provoke us, challenge us too–

May healing grace reign, Your Spirit embracing  

That sorrow and mourning be turned into dancing.

Hearts Exchanged is a learning and action journey designed to equip Reformed Christians to go beyond the headlines into deep work that wrestles with how our churches can become places of belonging and embrace God’s call to reconciliation with Indigenous neighbours.   We're putting together cohorts for individuals and churches this fall.  Join the journey.