PAY 'EM BACK WITH A BLESSING!


CHORUS:
I'll pay 'em back with a blessing---do the unexpected!
Pay 'em back with a blessing---catch 'em by surprise!
I'll return good for evil---do the unexpected!
Return good for evil---catch 'em by surprise!
I'll be creative with conflict---do the unexpected!
Be creative with conflict---catch 'em by surprise!
I'll tap into the connection of their humanity,
tap into the connection of their humanity.

(1) When I'm met with violence, or verbal abuse,
There are so many alternatives I can choose;
I could "fight fire with fire" but we'd both get "burned"
Or do something positive---even "off the wall"---for my turn!

(2) Sometimes a direct approach is just what I need;
then my conflict management skills serve me well, I see.
But other times we need something very different, indeed.
So my "bag of tricks" gotta hold more ideas than these...

CHORUS

(3) When someone's coming at me with putdowns or worse,
I've got to keep my cool---think fast on my feet!
When they're pushing my buttons, really in my face,
I'll rise above the level of the negativity!

(4) So when anger or aggression is what's comin' down,
I'll take the initiative to transform the scene;
I'll be creative, not violent---use my brains, not my brawn.
More "Transforming Initiatives"---that’s what our world needs!

(5) Like, when someone flips me off, I can blow 'em a kiss!
When I'm face to angry stranger's face, I can give 'em my name, and ask for theirs.
When it's violence I am met with, I'll bring forth my best
to connect with the best in my brother---and say a quick prayer!

FINAL CHORUS:
So let's... (REPEAT CHORUS, AND END BY REPEATING THE FINAL 2 LINES):
tap into the connection of their humanity,
tap into the connection!


Words and music © 1993 by Linda K. Williams
Many thanks to Rev. Glenn Smiley and the Church of the Brethren Peace Camp (4-93) participants for inspiration and examples, to Rev. Gene Wenger who used the phrase "Pay 'em back with a blessing" in a sermon (I Peter 3: 9 (Amplified) "Never return evil for evil, or insult for insult---scolding, tongue-lashing, berating; but on the contrary blessing---praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, and truly pitying and loving them.”), and to Ken White for introducing me to the term "transforming initiative," from the book Justice Creates Peace by Jürgen Moltmann, in “Love of the Enemy: Transforming Initiatives” (p. 26).
Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com