Stand for Something, Speak for Something

One of the greatest joys in life is to hear children sing. I remember once, when I was going to school at night, one of my kids was in the “fall” concert. I just made it in time to hear them. There was some spooky song, and one of the kids was engaged to scream at the top of his lungs. It looked like they all had fun performing that song. I watched some children’s choirs online and found the St. Patrick Junior Choir singing “Roar” by Katy Perry. It was amazing. The kids all got to roar!

Then I looked up the lyrics. This was a great song to teach children for more than one reason. The most important line in this song is, “I stood for nothing and fell for everything.” This caution applies to all of us. No one can afford to fall for everything – every fad, every waste of time, effort or money. We need to stand for something so that we know how to make decisions, where our time, our treasure, and our talents are going to be applied in the world.

In this month of talking about speaking up, let’s take a look at our stand. Here are some I think will help keep you from falling for anything.

• I will stand for learning – this keeps me open to new ideas, perspectives and approaches.
o I speak it when I acknowledge the contributions of others, when I openly report that I have changed my mind based on what someone else has said.

• I will stand for equity – this keeps me on the lookout for places of inequity and what I can do and say to change the world.
o I speak it when I point out that someone does not have the same opportunity based on some “category” or assumption.

• I stand for inclusion – this makes me question when the outcomes or approaches someone proposes are creating or promoting segregation.
o I speak it when I point out that it is not necessary and is in fact harmful to tell people that they need to stay with their own kind or be kept with their own kind, like “special worship services for the disabled” rather than welcoming people with disabilities just like everyone else.

What is your stand? What does it do for you and how do you say it? Please don’t fall for anything, we need you for something.

When you have a few minutes, watch the St. Patricks Junior Choir – https://youtu.be/1XmTItNTQaM?si=QUanN1ZY45qhbR_D