You, O Lord, said, "Be clever as serpents and innocent as doves."

You, O Lord, said, "Be clever as serpents and innocent as doves." Let me retain innocence and simplicity in the midst of this complex world. . . Give me the strength to think clearly, speak freely, and act boldly in your service. Give me the courage to show the dove in a world so full of serpents.

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)