Outside of the Church.

A few months ago, Brother So'n So asked me from the church house library dutch-door window,
"So Sister Butler, Are you still singing songs outside of the church?"  
I laughed and smiled and said, "Heck Yes Brother, I'm singing songs everywhere I go!" I didn't go on to elaborate on the Honkey-tonk bars and religious girls camp mountain tops, old folks homes and Hippy folk festivals. I just smiled and said thanks for asking....but the question stuck around for a few more days. The way he asked "outside of the church" made my throat  burn. the burn that makes ya feel like you have a lump you just can't swallow. I told Jon Butler about it, and he didn't think much of it. No harm, just an old man with an old fashioned kinda question. and He's right but also, it was hard to shake off. I know there is a joke about everyone getting offended by everything these days, and I try to let things go, I do. but there is a strange sense of shame that floats up when I am reminded of my worldliness. That I am doing more than just child bearing and relieving society. I've been told that I should write more songs about Jesus, and try to be a Real Missionary. I have been told ...