Condemnation is often,
we so easily tell ourselves
comes from others.
In loud voices they speak;
their supposed truth,
their belittling words,
their self-imposed importance.
Yet the worst vile hypocrisy,
and self-mutilating condemnation;
that tears us down,
that speaks the lies,
that raises the doubts.
Is not the voices from without,
but that one lone voice within.
We listen when we should not,
and talk when we should listen.
The world and the enemy,
others and ourselves,
drown out the only true voice.
The voice of love and grace,
that never speaks of condemnation.
~Mark Schutter ©2015