The Disappearing Act: The Silencing of Voices in Church Spaces
Rev.Tiffany Brooks, 2nd Episcopal District
Life has a way of trying to silence you. In so many experiences and in several ways, it will try to mute you. In some instances, it is successful and in others, it is not. Life includes people, places, spaces, and things that will try to choke all the voice out of you. Sometimes it’s unintentional and by design, sometimes it is a random string of circumstances, and other times it is intentional. Most often, one’s voice begins disappearing due to intentional ploys and misinterpreted views of humbleness and humility. Life and circumstances will draw many to believe that when they remain silent and when they allow their voices to get quieter and quieter, especially amid tension that this is an exercise in humility, when truly it is not and has become more of a safeguard, a matter of protection of oneself rather than an act of walking without pride and arrogance. The terms “humility” and “humble” have been misused, misquoted, and weaponized to silence others, especially by those whose egos won’t allow them to admit that they live their lives through the lens of fear, insecurity, and intimidation. Those who quiver when any modicum of self-confidence and intentional purpose walking is displayed by others. They tend to forcibly insert unasked for thoughts and opinions to quiet the confident and reassured while trying to mask their own insecurities. They will manipulate people and circumstances to favor themselves while quietly tearing down the confidence of others. Often, the disappearing act of one’s voice is a slow process in which the one whose voice is being silenced doesn’t even recognize how much lower the volume is getting and has gotten. Silence, quietness, and stillness that is requested by God, is different from silence, quietness, and stillness that is requested and sometimes forced upon by others. It is imperative to know the difference.
I wish that I could say that this was a rare occurrence, however, it is not. It is very biblical in nature. It is Sarah against Tamar, Saul against David, Geshem, Sanballat, and Tobiah against Nehemiah, the disciples against Mary, and just about everybody against Jesus. It is generational and unfortunately, it has become the norm in our pews and pulpits. It is in the structures and the systems created and withheld to maintain and stroke the egos of many men and minimal women. It is political, it is nepotism, it is fear mongering, and it is an offense against the body of Christ. It is a stench. One of the issues is the unconscious misinterpretation of believing that humility is synonymous with weakness. One of the issues is believing that just because one’s own voice has disappeared that one must snatch the voices of others to restore their own or for their misery to receive company. One of the issues is that imagined threats have been made a reality in the minds of many while ignoring the fact that the threat is only a function of the imagination. Most often it is not and never has been real.
The decline that many churches are experiencing is in part due to the disappearing, quieting, and silencing of others. Which has unashamedly continued to replicate itself in every sermon, clergy, and layperson at a time. It shows up in declining attendance, disorganized ministry events, high turnover rates, church hopping, and unnecessary meetings. It is a reality that we must address. Why would anyone who is already questioning their voice, lend what they do have to a space that doesn’t acknowledge or honor it?
One can spend time analyzing the many variables that contribute to this generational issue and its root causes, but there simply is not enough time, not enough pages, and an overwhelming number of churches. For that reason, I pose several questions for reflection. What causes the voice snatchers to act in such a way, how does one restore their own voice, what can, and should we learn from the biblical accounts, what position does one find themselves in and overall, what shall we say to these things?
To the voice snatchers, may you come into a greater and more accurate understanding of humility, and may you apply it to your own life with ease. May you recognize the beauty in your own voice so that you are able to welcome other voices. May you love your voice again. May forgiveness find you. May you share space and make room for the voices around you.
To the voice who has been quieted, who has experienced silencing and is currently in hiding, may your voice be restored to its full strength. May you come to a greater understanding of humility and apply it to your own life with ease. May your confidence be renewed and restored. May you love your voice again. May forgiveness be your portion, prayer be your posture and strength guide you to walk away from silencing spaces. May you find and/or create the space that will welcome your voice with open arms.
To both, may you find peace and healing.
To the one who doesn’t know which one they are, may the Lord show it to you, and may you move accordingly.
To you oh silenced one, here is your sign to raise your voice again. We are and have been waiting for you.
Welcome back.
