Did I sing it wrong?

I sang “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world”

From a little Sunday School room where most people looked like me

We celebrated the multi-color children 

Who were precious in his sight

Because it was the Christian thing to do

I sang “he’s got whole world in his hands”

Gleefully following my teacher’s hand motions

Knowing God’s love extended to every corner of the earth

Reminding us to love who God loves

Because it was the Christian thing to do

I sang “we are the world, we are the children” 

The chorus that knew no national boundaries

That fooled me into believing that this is a generous nation 

One that chooses to take care of children around the world 

Because it was the Christian thing to do

I sang “hands across America, hands across this land I love”

Thirteen-year-old me holding hands with strangers

Along the Broad Street bridge 

Connecting with millions of Americans to support the homeless 

Because it was the Christian thing to do

I sang “do they know it’s Christmastime at all, feed the world”

Being aware of abundance in my life

With empathy for strangers in another land

Believing the anthem of this season was an invitation to generosity 

Because it was the Christian thing to do

I sing “O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave”

Wondering if I really belong here

Amidst the flags to God, Guns and Trump

But I take the lyrics to heart

Singing the anthem as a prayer for true freedom for all

Because it is the Christian thing to do