Praise Be... Unless (From A Girl They Replaced But Heaven Never Did)

I danced for God

They clapped for politics

I brought sweat and sincerity

They brought spreadsheets and surnames

Raised my hands, gave my time

Choreographed grace, in four-eight time

Didn't ask for stage or pay

Just wanted God to feel okay

But guess what?

They said, "Amen"

Then handed my spot to the pastor's friend

They smiled holy, then checked who's close

Called it process

And said, "It's not personal"

Just very committee

So you know it goes

Praise be unless you shine too real

Unless your moves can't be sealed

Unless you love with no agenda

Then sorry, sis, no stage for ya

My family gave everything, paid the rent

Still, I danced outside the tent

Didn't gossip, didn't whine

But I guess the truth just skip the line

They said, "Servanthood"

But meant "stay cute"

They said, "Humble"

But meant "mute"

Praise be if your last name counts

If your family's on the church accounts

But if you dare be raw and kind

They'll say, "Not gifted", just "misaligned"

So I left

Still dancing

Still praising

Just not in their VIP section

And guess what?

God's not limited to their lights