guide my feet...

"guide my feet 

while i run this race 

for i don't want to 

run this race in vain"

i love this hymn

really it is a 

spiritual 

an african american spiritual 

a song added to 

the presbyterian 

hymnal in the 80's

a song people love 

because of the 

soulful rhythm

and the simple 

but powerful message

but as any spiritual goes

it doesn't get down deep 

into ones soul

until there is a real

reason to sing it.

for sure 

there was a real reason 

to sing this song

when it was first sung

when it came to be for the first time

when it spilled out of the mouth 

of one longing for freedom

for a new day

for dignity and life.

there was reason 

then for this song to 

be sung.

for me

this song 

hit deep down in my soul

when i first heard it

and each time i sing it.

guide my feet 

hold my hand

stand by me

i'm your child

while i run this race

for i don't want to run 

this race in vain. 

guide me

hold me 

stand by me.

i've moved from 

closed tight secret denial

into the light of 

freedom.

i've moved from 

prickly shame 

into 

soft

overflowing 

grace.

guide me

hold me

stand by me

i'm your child!

i'm free!

so when those 

who are threatened by my freedom

or offended by my freedom 

tell me 

my freedom is a mistake

and that i was never in denial 

but am in denial now

well

here's reality....

the dark secret door of denial 

has opened 

and it cannot 

will not 

shut 

ever again.  

i'm done with shame.

i've done my homework.

i've dug deep

and discovered

the gift

only GOD can give!

guide my feet

hold my hand

stand by me

i'm your child!