Say Something

Like other mashups I've done in the past, 'Say Something' is  a song that helps provide a framework to express an ache that I've been experiencing of late.  I don't think I'm alone in this feeling.

To my sisters and brothers of the Church of Christ,Say something, anything.

When any group of individuals gather - conversations are had, opinions will and should differ with the potential of beautiful connection and community occurring as an outcome. Relationships and communities begin to fall apart when this shifts from being dialogue to one-sided affair.

With the continued rise of tribalism in the Church - battle lines have been drawn with generalizations and characterizations made of the other. The talking is often done past the person of the differing position,  towards the opinion of the choir of individuals who agree with our own stance.

This leaves the other wanting.  Wishing someone would speak as they once had - of love and grace - to say anything that affirms place they had in the relationship before things changed.

'Say Something' is a plea.  A plea to belong - to belong together, to a partner who isn't responding. It opens with:

Say something, I'm giving up on you

I'll be the one, if you want me to

Anywhere I would've followed you

Say something, I'm giving up on you

It's amazing what we are willing to do and give when we know we are accepted into a group.

With the rise of tribalism in the church, we see lines being drawn on a number of hot button issues - homosexuality, nationalism, creation/evolution, Biblical literalism, among others.  These are all important issues to be engaged and wrestled with intentionally and thoughtfully individually and in community.

These are the types of issues many will want to make the linchpin of whether or not someone is a devoted follower of Christ or saved.   We have forgotten the mystery of our faith that holds and unities His Church together - that He has died, He has risen, and He will come again.

The hardline stances and lack of willingness for dialogue is clearly why many simply do not want to have anything to do with Christ or His Church.  And why many are at the point of giving up on church - for it is no longer a place that is articulating a hope, a grace, a peace or a love that can or does change an individual, a group, or the world.

And I am feeling so small

It was over my head

I know nothing at all

And I will stumble and fall

I'm still learning to love

Just starting to crawl

When community fails, when a love is lost - we spin, we are broken, we feel lost.

Those who have been alienated, have become disillusioned by what they were convinced that the Church should and could be. They were learning to become the people, the person God had called them to be but then when they doubted and struggled or simply posed questions to grow - the community they sought for support did not rise up, instead ostracized them for not fitting the right mold.

And I will swallow my pride

You're the one that I love

And I'm saying goodbye

The ostracized know they have said things too harshly and not honored other positions either. They know that they must also repent and remember. But they fear the hurt that might be inflicted on them because of their vulnerability.

In all our hearts we all know that we cannot know Christ except through His Church. Have we confused His Church for the church we have experienced? There was some thing right and true about what was experienced and were a part of - but it has changed and now we sit divided and silent.

So please, my sister and brothers show the grace and love  you once embodied. I join with the alienated and ostracized in saying:

We cry, we plea, say something...say anything.

We're at the point of giving up, but we have not yet left.