Is this acceptable in God’s sight?

Psalm 19: 3-4 (MSG) : Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

 

Is it a sin to stay quiet

            To allow your full being to go unknown

When to speak out loud and clearly

            Is likely to cause brokenness at home

 

Does it dishonor God to keep the peace

            And live a “don’t ask, don’t tell” existence

So that the ones you love won’t experience shame

            And you don’t have to face down the resistance

 

The Psalmist speaks of God’s audacious glory

            And how it shows up in all of creation

Even in those places, spaces and times

            When some of us are dying beneath an imposed negation

 

Not heard

            Not seen

Not known

            Not free

 

Is this acceptable in God’s sight?

 

 

Prayer: Grant us courage, O God, so that indeed the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts are acceptable to you, and reveal your audacious love, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

 

 

Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks is a soulful, progressive minister, teacher and learner and is committed to the liberation of oppressed peoples, building power and creating community. She lives in Chicago with her spouse, three children and eight grandchildren (!) and currently serves as executive director of A Just Harvest, pastor at San Lucas UCC and Namasté UCC, and adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary.