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.
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