Evelyn Dove Coleman: Just Turn Around In The New Year

"Abou Ben Adhem" is a poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt. It describes a man awakened during the night by the light of an angel in his room writing on a tablet. Abou asked the vision what he's writing and he answers that he's writing down the names of those who love the Lord. When he learns he is not one of the names being written down, he asks to be recorded, then, as one who loves his fellow man.  The next night, the angel returns and lo, Abou Ben Adhem's name is at the top of the list.

By penning this poem, the author was making the point that to love your fellow man shows that you love the Lord. And if you don't, you don't. I wonder what was going on around Hunt during the century when he lived that inspired his deep thinking about this subject. Were he living today, I would surmise that he is watching the news and witnessing all of the violence all around. Or, he may have heard about the plethora of porch pirate events where thieves sneak onto people's porches and steal the packages that have been delivered to them.

If you are stealing anything from someone, you do not love your fellow man.  And no matter what face you are presenting to the outside world, there is someone who cannot be deceived.  Fortunately, people can pivot. Just repent and turn around. May the New Year be the very best ever!

 Evelyn Dove-Coleman is the founder of PathChoice Ministry. Write her at EvDove03@yahoolcom or www.pathchoicepastoralcounseling.weebly.com.