Norms and evils???

I love to laugh from the depths of my belly

But society says it's not befitting of a lady

I don't mind crying if the tears are genuine

But society says it shows defeat not a win

I find joy in giving a lift to anyone at all

But reality says that’s a serious danger call

Because of norms and evils we can't be real

Oh God help us, is this our subtle ordeal???

I would like to greet the people I meet

But that can be snubbed like a dirty sheet

I sometimes like offering a hand to a stranger

But most times all they see in me is danger

Good deeds I may like giving and receiving

Though both ways it raises lots of suspicion

Because of norms and evils we can’t be real

Oh God help us, is this our subtle ordeal???

The beggar may really need my money to survive

Why do I only see fuel for joblessness to thrive?

I can lift up a prayer for the ones who hurt me

But their cruelty easily binds, hard to free

Why are we so careful so no one can take advantage

Like we don’t trust God who supplies on any life page

Because of the norms and evils we can’t be real

Oh God help us, is this our subtle ordeal???

I could go on complaining about what may not be right

But without action it changes no plight

Actions? Making it better or worse?

Making no difference, or a blessing, or curse?

Living to please God was never as easy as it seemed

Trusting Him in obedience: simple, not easy, but what we need

Because of norms and evils we don’t have to stay unreal

Our God can help us through any subtle ordeal

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)