It Was Almost Enough to Make Me Stop Believing
By Liz Dyer
The following poem is in the style of “slam poetry” and is really meant to be spoken,
not just read, so here is a link where it can be heard.
It was almost enough to make me stop believing
Defacto segregations
Emotional manipulations
Personal salvations
ALL the proclamations
I had taken the bait
Walked through the narrow gate
Learned what to hate
Was certain of my eternal fate
I could spew the roman road, so proud so bold, part of the fold, believed what I was told
I’m in – you’re out – no doubt what I’m talking about
I know – I’m right – I’m the one walking in the light
You lose – I win – come on I’ll point out your sin
Prostituting every opportunity
Wanting to be the supermajority
Working to oppress homosexuality
Don’t forget about being offended by profanity
Let’s hang out in our Christian bubble
Let’s try to stay out of trouble
Don’t wander away from the holy huddle
Forget about conversation – debate for domination – practice your presentation – and talk about eternal damnation
Pick a verse to justify being chauvinistic
Deny it when they say you are legalistic
Preach a gospel that is individualistic
Forget that it seems a little imperialistic
Don’t question the authority, know what’s a priority, don’t worry about the minority, that’s our expository
The Christianization – the dehumanization
The demonstration – the incorporation
made ME start to question
What about the brotherly love – the justice that was spoken of
the one we were in awe of – the mercy they talked of
Didn’t they get the memoranda that we were supposed to love with no agenda
Didn’t they notice the lack of transformation – the absence of civil conversation
Weren’t we supposed to be known by our fruits instead of by our refutes
Weren’t we supposed to make the world a better place full of love and hope and grace
Where was the creativity – the spirit of generosity – the chance for serendipity -
Thank God I broke free
Cause it was almost enough to make me stop believing
My name is Liz and I am a follower of Jesus Christ who lives in Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth area). I am married and have two sons. I enjoy reading, blogging, listening to music, going to movies, the emergent conversation and hanging out with friends and family. I recently started a blog called Grace Rules. I named my blog Grace Rules because although I have a history of letting things like rules, regulations, law, convictions, and stuff like that rule my life, I am determined to become a woman who is ruled by grace and love.
Tags: Liz Dyer
May 1st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Beautiful! Exactly it! I am speaking at a women’s event for my church community tomorrow and this will be shared!
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Thank you so much!! This mirrors so much of how I have felt the past few years– times when I almost wanted to drop the whole Christianity thing after watching how judgmental and exclusive some of the church tends to be. Thanks for reminding me there is still hope!!! Thank God I broke free…
May 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Chrissi – Thanks for your kind words and for sharing the poem with others.
Sarah – Thank you too for your kind words and thanks for continuing to hope.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Liz, you did stop believing.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:04 am
AMEN.
Thank you so much for this bit of sanity!
May 13th, 2009 at 6:39 am
I remember, a few months back, driving down the road and thinking about the arrogance of today’s christians. So sure of their salvation and so quick to judge. And because I was raised in such a community, I was labeled a rebel and a backslider if I ever dared voice my opinion about what the Bible teaches opposed to what they were practicing. Thank you for your words. I am glad to know I am not alone.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:15 am
liz, i thought i commented on this, but just realized i didn’t! thanks so much for sharing this powerful piece with us!
May 21st, 2011 at 12:55 am
I truly wanted to jot down a small word so as to thank you for all of the great information you are writing at this website. My long internet search has at the end been rewarded with incredibly good points to write about with my partners. I ‘d admit that most of us website visitors actually are truly endowed to live in a fine website with so many brilliant people with valuable basics. I feel very happy to have discovered your webpage and look forward to really more thrilling minutes reading here. Thanks a lot once again for a lot of things.
June 21st, 2011 at 12:13 am
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually recognise what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my web site =). We could have a hyperlink trade agreement among us!
July 16th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
foundfor the most partwillhave the same conceptwith your blog.