words are necessary

kathleen's memorial service was outstanding this afternoon. so many people were there, laughing, crying, remembering, celebrating. many people shared memories and messages of hope. the service lasted two hours: scriptures were read, hymns sung (in english and spanish), lives shared. as i traveled home, this depeche mode from my high school days played on the radio:

Words like violence
Break the silence
Come crashing in
Into my little world
Painful to me
Pierce right through me
Cant you understand
Oh my little girl

All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm


Vows are spoken
To be broken
Feelings are intense
Words are trivial
Pleasures remain
So does the pain
Words are meaningless
And forgettable


All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm


i have no idea what the song is about-- whether this guy wants to be alone in the quiet, share the silence with another, i dunno. but the irony was thick: after two hours of sharing and listening to words, this guy sings about words being unnecessary and harmful. what if we never had a forum such as a memorial service to express our joys and hurts? as one who certainly loves silence, i am thankful for words tonight.

thank you to everyone for bearing their soul today.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Frank, I tried to find your email address on your website link you supplied in your note to the District, and it came up with Vegas Packages, Online Dating services! What a CHURCH!!!

Is there a chance you'll be doing this talk on hot button issue preaching at any other time? I teach on Wednesday mornings.

Diana

pastor@graceumcdallas.org