If I was the only Christian,
that others would ever see;
would my life be a reflection
of Christ who lives in me?

Could they see His tender mercy,
when looking into my eyes;
Or, their failures prompt my rejection,
giving me chance to criticize?

Could they feel his warming presence,
those times when I come around:
Or sense a luke~warm indifference,
as I offer no smile nor frown?

Could they understand His forgiveness,
just by the words I say;
when they have faltered or stumbled,
Would grace be what I portray?

Would they see a gracious provider,
would I give unselfishly:
with never a thought of gaining,
that they may know His Charity?

Would they realize His sweet compassion,
by seeing the tears I display;
when touch 'd by their deep suffering,
Tears speak more than words can convey?

Could they hear His voice speaking,
in the kindness of my own;
when their tender hearts need mending,
from cruelties they may have known?

I wonder if they would want Jesus,
just by seeing Him through me:
Help me be a better example, oh, Lord,
by losing myself in Thee!

Mary Carter Mizrany
March 24, 1981