Outwitted by Edwin Markham

He drew a circle that shut me out—
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!

Written by Melissa Thach, Youth Director

I’ve had this poem hanging on my wall for years as a reminder to keep drawing the circle wider. It is easy to draw ungenerously, to keep our circle tight and leave people out. We tend to separate along religious or generational beliefs, parenting styles, culture and party lines, gender expression and sexuality, socioeconomic and documentation status. However, the God who is Love asks us to keep drawing the circle wider- not for the purpose of converting others to our beliefs- but because this is how we know God. 1 John 4:7 says, “dear friends, let’s love each other because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.” Love is no small task, and it requires continual examining of our prejudice and blind spots. Thankfully, the Spirit of God is with us and promises to help us (I know I sure need it!). Central Union’s commitment to “engage and embrace ALL as we seek to embody Christ” is what drew me in and I’m excited to keep drawing the circle wider with all of you.