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.
