LDG5

Wednesday, Lenten Day 37, LDG5-37:
1) Board of Missions
2) alone time
3) paying attention to the small detail
4) bell choir
5) the journey

Maundy Thursday

Passover ... the traditional Seder Feast of the Jewish people - practiced, participated in and celebrated for over 4000 years. So what is the relevance of Passover to a Christian community? Well, Jesus Christ was a Jew and he himself participated in Passover, it was in fact the Passover meal that he was practicing and celebrating the night of his arrest. It was through that final Seder that Christ instituted the sacrament of communion practiced by Christians all over the world.

It's hard for me to picture the scene that night. There may have been many people gathered together in that upper room for the Passover meal; there may have been only the twelve with Christ. There may have been a solemness as Christ washed the feet of those who entered the room; there may have been a revelry as they all came together for that Seder meal.  What was in the mind of Jesus Christ? Did he know in fact that this was his last night on Earth? And his disciples? Were they of the mindset that there coming to Jerusalem was to be the beginning of the end of the Roman occupation?

All that I knew of the Passion of Christ had once come from Jesus Christ Superstar ... and the portrayal of the last supper in that smash musical was of a bunch of drunken disciples who couldn't wrap their minds around their own thoughts and words let alone the words that Christ was speaking to them.

... he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.  --  Mark 14:22-25

Maundy Thursday is both a celebration and an anguish to Christians world over. We remember on this night the suffering of Christ at the hands of the Sanhedrin and Pilate, the brutality of the Roman guards, the desertion of the disciples. We find solace in the knowing that the Passion of Christ that leads to his death on the Cross on Good Friday brings the resurrection of Easter morning ... "joy comes with the morning (or mourning)". 

We participate this night with our Jewish neighbors in the ceremony of the Seder to remember both where Christ came from and where we came from - enslaved people (to sin) freed by the God. (through Christ).

Amen and Amen!

Another Disappointment

Just Rambling Words

Preparations to make,
a Seder to prepare for.
Asked to set up ... for 172 no less.
I agreed.
But, I delegated as well.
I asked Troop #99 to set up -
     22 tables each with 8 chairs


Then was the time,
the head table to place.
Setting for 10 plus Elijah -
makes 12.
myTed said he'd help.
My smile wide, 
thinking help he would need,
I requested another.


Home from work
myTed is quite sore,
     from soccer of course,
tired and battered,
yet ready to go..
His plan simply put
move stage edges for height.


Yet on the other hand
the other mad, grumbled,
seemed angered and terse.
He rushed through the set-up,
he slammed up the tables
and taking a column
he burst it and bungled.


Is it better without him,
his anger and 'tude?
Would the mood have been higher
our spirits uplifted?
Would the job have been quicker,
the column been spared,
my best friend not walking
alone on the shore?


Volunteered for the set-up I did -
but needing to learn this:
whose help to implore,
and whose to ignore.

Palm Sunday

Ah the passion of Palm Sunday - children singing and waving palm branches, choirs processing, lots of announcements about the coming Passion Week activities, and crowds of people filling once half filled pews. The start of Passion Week, the C and E crowd begin their "devout" attendance of their yearly worship.

I shouldn't be so cavalier about it ... at least they are coming.

I find it to be rather relevant actually. Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, palm branches waving to herald the support of the Messiah, the King triumphant to usher in the military overthrow of the Romans. Throngs of people, some who had not followed Christ before this moment in time - just as Palm Sunday, throngs of people filling usually empty congregations.

Imagine the awe and shock of those waving the branches and screaming Hosanna's when Christ entered Jerusalem not upon the back of a great White Steed but upon a lowly donkey, the colt of a donkey no less. Jaws dropped, as did palm branches, and the crowds thinned as they all turned away from the pacifist Christ.

How many of the C and E crowd come to church filled with expectations only to be disappointed and let down? How many will turn away and never return?

Palm Sunday is usually a service that is filled with pomp and circumstance, of joy and jubilation but let us not ever forget that it is the start of Christ's final week on earth, the beginning of the suffering, and the long walk to Calvary.

Christ suffered much for us, for me, may we never forget that ... may I always remember that Palm Sunday is Passion Sunday as well.

LDG5

Tuesday, Lenten Day 36, LDG5-36:
1) quick response doctors
2) a big box of notes
3) 172 people signed up for the Seder Supper
4) family who checks in on me
5) conversations with myPie

LDG5

Monday, Lenten Day 35, LDG5-35:
1) Langley UCC
2) that it WASN'T a heart attack
3) a day break
4) myTed!
5) the Boy Scouts of Troop # 99

LDG5

Saturday, Lenten Day 34, LDG5-34:
1) Hands on Mission
2) helping people in Haiti and Chili through 73 health kits
3) food and fellowship
4) Earth Hour
5) playing board games by candle light

LDG5

Friday, Lenten Day 33, LDG5-33:
1) that my bff can enjoy a night of fun with her favorite man (well both of them I guess - Jack AND Randy Travis)
2) for my lot in life - for all that I have and for where I live and for who I am and am becoming
3) for being able to be lazy when I want to be
4) warm slippers for my feet
5) not having to go anywhere

LDG5

For those who don't know this - this is my lenten daily grateful five -- a lent practice of finding at least 5 things to be thankful for every day.


Thursday, Lenten Day 32, LDG5-32:
1) being able to speak my mind(s)
2) McDonald's french fries
3) Country Life
4) disaster movies on SyFy
5) choir rehearsal

LDG5

Wow, what happened to Tuesday and Wednesday?
Wednesday, Lenten Day 31, LDG5-31:
1) bell choir
2) El Pollo Loco (even cold)
3) You Tube
4) beautiful days that beg for long walks
5) mini-dachsies who can't go for long walks and need carried

Tuesday, Lenten Day 30, LDG5-30:
1) writing out my thoughts
2) facebook distractions
3) Praise Team rehearsals
4) confidence from others in my abilities
5) new Sponge Bob episodes to share with my daughter

The Cross

This video is a recording of the rehearsal of this song which is co-written by Mark and Russ. The first performance led by the True North Praise team was on March 7th and it was repeated on March 14th with both Mark and Russ. I don't have a recording of that performance though.

lost in memories

...memories always come back to haunt us...
...to reveal the hidden truth lost within us...
...to remind us of what we’ve been through...
...of what was false and what was true...

...cause with our past we must learn...
...forget all letters... just let them burn...
...forget all lies… and all your doubts...
...all those questions in your shouts...

...I try to get back up on my feet...
...to feel my broken heart’s beat...
...to set me free from my own chains...
...from my own venom within my veins...

...from the dark stain the wounds left behind...
...the painful past deep in my mind...
...the fear that leaves me in dismay...
...cause haunting memories never go away...

...so I’m trapped in my own world... lost in my own tears...
...down in a deep hole... cursed by my own fears...

Talking

What's wrong?

So many things
Where to start

Silence

What's wrong?
Persistence

My thoughts make no sense
Everything is a mess
My heads a jumble of thoughts
Ideas
Wishes
Ones that I shouldn't have

Is that really a problem?

I think so

But your thoughts are a mess?
You said they made no sense?

I don't know anymore

I've had enough of talking
Enough of your mocking
I want to leave
I don't want to
Be trapped in this room
With nothing but my thoughts
And you with your persistence

How have you been?

Coping
Getting through
What do you want me to say?

I don't want to think
I don't want to talk
I don't want to be alone

I don't know what I want

It's In The Past!

Complicated

I'm not trying to be difficult
I'm just trying to live life


I don't mean to be a quandary
I just want to remain on solid ground


I'm so sorry that I'm stubborn
but I'm trying to stay safe


I wish that I could go there
if only to please you


But I can't, I won't
so this is where we are


Why don't you just get rid of me
instead of going through the motions

Quote

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls, the most massive characters are seared with scars. 

- Kahlil Gibran 

Contemporary Stations - Station Fourteen, Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

Dead, removed from the cross, placed into a tomb.

Finished. The End.

I didn't want to write this station, didn't want it to be finished. And yet I realized while I pondered this station that this isn't the end, the Tomb is merely the beginning. The Tomb is absolutely everything to Christianity. Oh it is fine to acknowledge Advent and Christmas and Epiphany for without the birth there would be no story. The life of Jesus is hugely important, the words of his teachings and the example of his walk teach all Christians today how to follow in the footstep of Jesus Christ. His arrest and suffering and the death on the cross are of course the representation of the ultimate sacrifice of love ... the love of God for his sin-filled people, His righteousness. However, it is the tomb that is the pivotal crescendo of the Christian love song for that is what separates us as Christians from all other religions in the world - our belief in a LIVING Lord God and Savior Redeemer.

The Tomb is where the resurrection took place and the beginning of Christ's forty days on earth before his ascension. The Tomb is not the end of the story ... the Tomb is the beginning.

Father God, may I cling to the faith and promise that is present in the tomb when I am walking the lonely path of grief, pain, and suffering. Father God, may I hold close to my heart the fulfillment of grace and love that was brought to me via the tomb by Jesus Christ. Father God, may I remember each and every day to claim the victory that Christ has given to me. 

LDG5

Monday, Lenten Day 29, LDG5-29:
1) being able to upload photos
2) meeting John who is from Sudan (but isn't a "Lost Boy")
3) well run meetings
4) ALL green lights ALL the way home!!
5) Chick-fil-A

LDG5

Missed Saturday so here it is ...

Saturday, Lenten Day 28, LDG5-28:
1) Emergency Food Bank that provided food through True North to 34 families today! :)
2) Langley FC winning the Division 1 Blue Winter Soccer League, Yes!
3) Benefit Concert to aide Bob whose medical bills are astronomical.
4) Concert set-up in Sanctuary so I don't have to stay late or do alot for True North tomorrow.
5) Being able to say no to certain persons.

Contemporary Stations - Station Thirteen, Jesus Dies on the Cross

Jesus Dies on the Cross

Into Thy hands I commend My Spirit

The last words spoken by Christ Jesus just before he breathed his last. Crucified and hung from a cross, as a common criminal, the innocent for the guilty.

And here I sit, typing into my computer, tears streaming down my cheeks, unable to commend my spirit into the care of Christ Jesus. The "human" condition? ... pride ... ego ... fear ... self-control?

Father God, your sacrifice - the sacrifice of your son - His life (death) ... YOUR life (death). My debt (sins) fully paid, forgiveness freely given. Though I am unfaithful much of the time, Lord Jesus, you remain faithful at all times. Father God, we beseech thee (hear us!), help me to trust, to overcome fear, to release the need to control my own life. Father God help me to set aside ego and pride, self-righteousness. Father God, help me (we beseech thee) ... into your hands I commend my Spirit. I believe Lord Jesus ... help my unbelief ... 

Good Friday

Maundy Thursday

Palm Sunday

Expressing

sliGHTLY disappointed in True North tonight. 


As some of you know, we've been on a journey to the cross by visiting the stations of the cross. This week, week 5 of 6, we were to visit three stations - 

• 10: Jesus is Crucified 
• 11: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Thief on the Cross 
• 12: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and Disciple John. 

We didn't. 


I mean, yeah Pastor John touched on the Crucifixion but he said nothing about the other two stations. Instead he "revisited" the other eight stations that we have had set up. That is ok to do, don't get me wrong, but it would have been  more appropriate next week, week 6, at the conclusion of the series when Jesus has died on the cross, we're taking Christ off the cross and we're laying Christ in the tomb (which are the final two stations before Easter Sunday, station fifteen - Resurrection Sunday).


I don't know if Pastor John simply lost track of what he was to do or if he just didn't want to really cover those two stations. I personally believe that these are two of the most important stations and shouldn't have been forgotten about. I mean Jesus forgiving the thief on the cross, while in agony and suffering greatly; thinking of his mission and offering redemption to the sinner hanging next to him. And in the next breath sentence caring for his mother and beloved disciple and establishing the Christian "Family" as it is to be for ever and ever.


Ah well ... 

 ... get over it Monica, this isn't about you or for You nor does it concern YOU!

Contemporary Stations - Station Twelve, Jesus Speaks to Mary and John from the Cross

The family of God is made up of people who are not related blood, but related by the blood of Christ, shed on the cross to save them. By faith in Jesus we become a part of this family. There is a secure place for every one who believes in Jesus Christ in the family of God. No one who comes to Jesus will be left out of this family. 

We have this assurance in the words spoken to mother Mary and John from the cross. "woman, look upon your son ... son, look upon your mother." Jesus places the care and well-being of his mother into the hands of one of his beloved disciples divorcing her from the care of her unbelieving sons. The family of Christian believers has just been established.

Father God, we are brought to you through your son Jesus Christ, adopted into the 'family of God'. Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for making us, me, a part of the divine family of God.

Contemporary Stations - Station Eleven, Jesus Redeems the Thief on the Cross

While Jesus was experiencing the physical, emotional and possibly even spiritual agony of the cross, he still expressed the divine nature of his love (God's love) for man. He had the compassion to listen to the pleas of one who had great need - he made the effort to repress his own pain and answer to the needs of a sinner. The thief who hung on the cross for crimes that he had committed ... "suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds." 

And like the two thieves are we - exactly like the thieves. On the one hand are those who profane, ridicule, or reject Christ and on the other hand are those who recognize the sinful nature that engulfs us and turn to Christ humbly asking for redemption. We are either one or the other; in this there is no middle ground, no grey area, no fence to sit upon. And just as he did with the thief, Christ will always offer us forgiveness and salvation if we but ask for it.

Lord Jesus, remember me, I humbly ask, when you come into your kingdom, this broken sin-filled woman that I am. 

The Lamb House

26 Tide Mill Ln., Hampton, Va. "The weekly clothing closet and bi-weekly groceries are as busy as ever. Hampton has seen an increase in need over the past several months as the economy claims more victims."

The Lamb House provides food and clothing to families in need on the Peninsula. True North now works in conjunction with the Lamb House providing free clothing items to those who are in need of it along with the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program. 

We are truly blessed.

Share Heart in Africa

On March 14th, at True North, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Safi who is from Sierra Leon and is working to provide for persons who are living there. In Sierra Leon, 27 of 100 children will die before their 5th birthday. Guns are placed in the hands of boys as young as age 7. Infections, disease, poverty, lack of purified drinking water are a part of everyday life and affect the lives of children and adults. 56 of 100 adults will never reach age 60. Adequate education is stifled due to lack of educational supplies. The images that she shared with us were tragic.

More information can be found on their website.

Please, if you would like to help, there are ways:

1. Monetary Donations here.
2. Prayers
3. Pack and Pray Campaign -

     Primary School and Secondary School backpacks with the following

• Primary Schools backpacks include reading books, pens, pencils, crayons, pencils sharper, notebooks, coloring books, erasers, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush and a small toy
• Secondary Schools backpacks include a  Bible, pen, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebook papers, binders, markers, sharper, Geometry set, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush 

  

Contemporary Stations - Station Ten, Jesus is Crucified

There are no words that I can offer up - your sacrifice too immense, too intense, too ... unbelievable; all for love, for the love of the world, for me. Incomprehensible, unimaginable, unbelievable.

Lord, I do believe ... help my unbelief.

LDG5

Friday, Lenten Day 27, LDG5-27

1) lunch with an old friend

2) a social butterfly daughter

3) winning DAO: Awakening

4) catching the entire season of Caprica (save final episode next Friday)

5) dinner options

Contemporary Stations - Station Nine, Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

And so you walk by ... scourged and bleeding, beaten and bruised, weak and exhausted. Who wouldn't be moved to tears as you pass by? Compassion wets the faces of the women who have followed you these three short years. Compassion with a mix of pity? Possibly regret and remorse? You are wounded ... they can see your brokenness, visible through your clothing. They too are wounded, as are all women, as am I.

We weep for you as we weep for all of our children, for you once were a child. We weep for you as we weep for all of our brothers, for you too are a brother. We weep for you as we weep for all of our men, for you are the ultimate man - the new Adam. And in the midst of our despair, through our weeping and keening, you pause and speak to us. Are your words comforting?
I cannot imagine them to be. You have been made to endure, made to suffer, made to die for the reconciliation of foolish and errant mankind. Are you bitter? Angry? You've been carrying a heavy burden, you've stumbled twice under the weight of it. Are your words harsh? I know mine would have been ... were ... still are; my ability to share compassion with those around me is weak, limited.

Lord Jesus, I weep because I do not know ... I do not know you well ... I have not the right relationship with you to understand. I pray, Father God, for a closer walk with your son. I pray, Father God, for a deeper relationship with him. I pray, Father God, for spirit-filled understanding. I long to be right with you Lord Jesus.  Lord Jesus, through your sacrifice I am made righteous.

Contemporary Stations - Station Eight, Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Bear the Cross

The weight of the cross is immense, both physically and spiritually ... the cross is the sin of man from the first to any that will become. There is much weight with the sin of so many and Christ, while agreeing to become the sacrificial love offering, (choosing mankind - choosing even me) stumbles under the weight of it all. Simon the Cyrenian is moved to aide Jesus, to lift the cross from his weary shoulders and help carry it for a distance. And Christ? Christ does not refuse the offer ... Christ is meek and accepts the aide.

Everyone needs help, even the sacrificial lamb of God ... The Son of God eternal and everlasting; yet another example of Christ living to understand the plight, the life, of man. Christ understands agony, he understands pain and suffering, he understands that there are times when we must accept aide when offered. Once again Christ is the perfect example for mankind ... for me.

Lord Jesus, thank you for making clear the example of living - for understanding wholly the human condition. Father God, I thank you for the persons that you have brought into my life - for the aide that they have offered me. Lord Jesus, for your strength and guidance, for your earthly example. Thank you Christ Jesus, thank you Father God, and thank you to my friends and family who help carry my burdens.

LDG5

Thursday, Lenten Day 26, LDG5-26:
1) a patient therapist
2) DAO:Awakening
3) Queso
4) choir
5) healthy children

LDG5

Man, way WAY behind...let's see if I can re-create the week to hump day.

Wednesday, Lenten Day 25, LDG5-25:
1) being able to vent
2) behind the wheel classes through the school district
3) beautiful sunny days
4) being military and using the BX
5) bell choir

Tuesday, Lenten Day 24, LDG5-24:
1) honesty
2) DAO: Awakening
3) being able to play a video game for 8 hours
4) choices
5) waking up from weird/scary dreams

Monday, Lenten Day 23, LDG5-23:
1) catching up on laundry
2) my son
3) that no demands were made of me at the soccer parent meeting
4) Slinky
5) late soccer practices so I can get dinner finished up

The way of the cross

The way of the cross

LDG5

Oops, I realized that I missed Wednesday, Friday AND Saturday. Since I posted a Lenten Daily Grat for Thursday, I won't make up the Wednesday but I will do both Friday and Saturday.

Saturday, Lenten Day 22, LDG5-22:
1) District Events
2) prayer chains that rap the chancel
3) friends who listen to the griping and complaining
4) Ted who brings my vision into reality
5) Blu-Ray

Friday, Lenten Day 21, LDG5-21:
1) Turkey Petit Filet Mignons
2) Caprica
3) Risk, which I lost at but love to play
4) rain
5) a son who will bring me Panera for lunch

LDG5

Thursday, Lenten Day 20, LDG5-20:
1) grand openings
2) lunch with BFF
3) shopping
4) being helpful
5) new layouts

LDG5

Wednesday, Lenten Day 19, LDG5-19:
1) bell choir
2) photo opportunities
3) ice cream
4) El Pollo Loco
5) Annie curled up beside me

LDG5

Tuesday, Lenten Day 18, LDG5-18:

1) hanging with my BFF

2) Johnny Rockets

3) naptime

4) wonderful Praise songs

5) time with Caroline

LDG5

Monday, Lenten Day 17, LDG5-17

1) German Auto

2) myPie

3) GPS in the car (for entertainment value)

4) new camera for my son

5) folded laundry

Contemporary Stations - Station Seven, Jesus Accepts (Bears) the Cross

... the crowd pressed in to see this man condemned to die on Calvary. [ ... ] ... and he bore with every step the scorn of those who cried out for his death. [ ... ] ... and he chose to walk that path out of his love for you and me.

I just can't grasp this, can't wrap my mind around this - that Christ would choose, CHOOSE to accept the cross, that cross, the cross that would ultimately mean his death and all for me, Me ... the horrifying being that I am. Why? WHY? I ask myself this question all the time. Who am I that you would be mindful of me, ME?

As I sat and pondered this station while listening to a conversation in the background around me ('forgiveness isn't for the one who wronged you; forgiveness is for you, your healing!'), I leapt to conclusion (a probably wrong conclusion but ...). God has forgiven me because he knows that he cannot have a relationship with me otherwise; my own constant sinning will always separate us. Christ chose to walk that path of suffering to cover my sin, in essence he is my forgiveness so that I may have a relationship with God.

... and he chose to walk that path out of love for you and me; on the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

Father God, who am I that you are mindful of me, that you would sacrifice so much for one such as I? Thank you, Father God, for your sacrifice. Lord Jesus Christ, it is through you that I can be in relationship with you, with the Holy Spirit, with God the Father. Teach me, Lord Jesus, to love as you have loved - even me.

LDG5

Saturday, Lenten Day 16, LDG5-16:

1) Worship Seminar

2) Arby's

3) meeting new people

4) being taught something new

5) friends who are there for me

LDG5

Friday, Lenten Day 15, LDG5-15:

1) Lunch with my best friend! :D

2) A clean downstairs (working on the upstairs l8r)

3) College Spring Break (myPie is on the way home!!)

4) myPie coming home for the week (I know, redundant but REALLY grateful for this one!)

5) young men who ask permission to date my daughter.

* for those who have forgotten or joined this blog late - LDG5 is Lenten Daily Gratitudes Five.

Quote

Fear less. Hope more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours. ~~ Swedish Proverb

LDG5

Thursday, Lenten Day 14, LDG5-14:

1) clean teeth

2) printers

3) great set crew who finished the columns

4) choir

5) iCarly

February 14, '10

just words

when things are going well

the day is brighter

the sun feels warmer

the pace quickens and

there is a lightness of step

when things are going well

the day is brighter

when confidence is higher

when a song stirs the air

when a tune leaves the lips and

a smile pauses on each passing face

when things are going well

when confidence is higher

the day can be tackled, conquered

tasks can be quickly completed

self-esteem radiates and

people begin to notice

when things are going well

February 13, '10

Conversation

what is your definition of 'normal', asked he.

being able to feel, experience, and express a full range of emotions without medicated aid, replied she.

he arched a brow, formulating a response.

she burst in, ... like being able to live life without anti-anxiety or greet a new dawn without anti-depressants or stepping out into the daylight and not hiding away from the world.

he smiled. and when do you believe you are not 'normal'?

scrunching her nose she paused. well ... i guess when emotions are too strong; when i'm in a 'storm' and i have to admit there are 'others' to help me live.

acknowledging 'them' makes you not normal, queried he.

if i admit they are then i am crazy, sighed she.

i see, said he.

February 11, '10

"i sought you" i said to god one moonless mid-winter night. "did you feel the longing of my soul?"

"no" was all god said.

"my heart longs for you" i anguished out from the depths of pain. "do you hear the lament of my soul?"

"no" was all god said.

"i will need you, lord" i whispered, spent and broken from my bed. "do you see this wretch worth nothing kneeling low with bent head?"

"ah," god sighed, "at last. now i can lift you gently from despair where your heart will sing and your soul find rest."

LDG5

Wednesday, Lenten Day 13, LDG5-13:

1) snow Snow SNOW!!!

2) no school

3) industrious daughters

4) St. Mark's Youth

5) building columns

LDG5

Tuesday, Lenten Day 12, LDG5-12

1) Old people who are particular

2) lunch with friends

3) two computers for file transfer

4) the ability to say no

5) stories of love and inspiration

LDG5

Monday, Lenten Day 11, LDG5-11

1) tax refunds :D

2) my puppy dog

3) quick and easy microwave lunches

4) lazy days

5) dr. pepper!

contemporary stations - station six, scourged and crowned with thorns

i was but a child.

separated yet a part

isolated but within

bleeding and broken

shredded and torn

at seven i turned to you

you were an adult

separated yet a part

isolated but within

bleeding and broken

shredded and torn

you alone can understand

for you have endured

i was but a child

they told me nothing of you

but i knew you

you were an adult who suffered as i

and you knew me

they tried to keep me from you

"he is not for you" said they

but on that day i cried out for you

from within their midst i sought you

from my pain and in my anguish i shouted

"i believe in you, jesus christ!"

i was but a child

beaten to near death for my outburst

you were an adult

beaten to near death for you silence

through your suffering you know the pain of living in life

through your suffering you understand

you were beaten and left broken and bleeding for me

for the "rest of the world" but ...

... not just the rest of the world ...

for the entire world

your suffering, my deliverance

lord jesus, thank you for your sacrifice - for your suffering, for your enduring such harshness and such pain, ridicule and punishment, torture and defilement. for it is only through your hurt that a hurting world full of hurting people could be reached (that you could reach anybody so injured as i).