# Living Psalm 39:1-12 for June 14: 2026_ Benton

If you have nothing nice to say, 
say nothing at all.
Watch your tongue, kiddo,
or I’ll watch it for you.
These voices I’ve internalized from childhood,
so I kept it all inside, never conceding pain.
But holding my peace didn’t stop
the fire building in my gut
until it burst brightly from my too-tied tongue.

Holy One! When can I die
and be able to let all this go?
Does everyone feel as invisible
as I’ve made myself?
Are all of us hiding
our deepest selves,
trying to “be good” as we’ve been taught?
Are you happy yet?

But wait—they told me it was you!
That you’re the one who demanded
my silence and deceit. And so,
while I’ve asked you, O God, to stop
the lashing and loathing,
it’s really these voices—within and around me. 
Stop!

So hear my prayer, Holy One,
even though my tongue is fiery.
And share my passion! 
I’m here. Are you?