So while I don't necessarily agree with all of his theology, George Macdonald penned a poem about ministry in the city that really resounded with us this summer in the midst of hard times and facing a completely broken city and people.

I said, "Let me walk in the fields."
He said, "No; walk in the town."
I said, "There are no flowers there."
He said, "No flowers, but a crown."

I said, "But the skies are black,
There is nothing but noise and din";
And He wept as he sent me back;
"There is more," he said, "there is sin."

I said, "But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun."
He answered, "Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone."

I said,"I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say."
He answered, "Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given,
He said, "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in heaven,
To have followed the steps of your guide."

I cast one look to the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said, "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"

Then into his hands went mine;
And into my heart came he;
And I walk in light divine,
The path I had feared to see.

~George MacDonald