There is a Balm in Gilead

This song brings back wonderful memories from my college days when the Hiram College Choir performed this song on one of our National Tours of the U.S. and Canada.

We rocked, if I can pat all of us on the back. I have a rough recording of it, and it's good!


The last month or so (who am I kidding, 6 years) have been very stress-filled and difficult. Oh, we are fine and life is good. When I look at the problems others endure and the lives others have on the surface, I can not complain. I can only praise God and thank him from the bottom of my heart. But, it seems, there have been more bumps in the road and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness over the last month than in a long while.

I have an insurmountable amount of responsibility that was presented to me. At first, I could handle it. I know God will not give us more than we can handle. And frankly, of everyone he could have given this responsibility to, I am the best person for the job. No one else can do what I do for Mom. Bar none. He made the right choice. I just need to make him proud. Some would say I am still doing a fine job. But, it's hard and I do feel overwhelmed every minute of every day of my life.

But then, just as I am at rock bottom, God does what he does best --gives me hope.

Today's readings and songs were PERFECT. As I sang each song at each Mass, I was reminded that God is with me even if everyone else has abandoned me or is against me or, in my eyes, is abandoning God and his word.

I really needed it today, and as usual, God delivered.

In Father's homily, one of the main teachings was that God loves every one of us as if there was only one of us. Each of our needs, our pleas for help, our problems, and joys are as important as the next person's.

And I'd just like to share some of the lines from various songs I sang today....which helped me immensely, and hopefully, have recharged my soul to continue helping me get through each day.

"Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow me, and I will give you rest."

"If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown."

"If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed."

"If you stand before the power of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all."

"Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs."

"Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh."

"And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of Me. Blessed blessed are you."


Then we have from "I heard the voice of Jesus"--
"I heard the voice of Jesus say, come unto Me and rest
Lay down thou weary one lay down thy head upon My breast
I came to Jesus as I was
Weary and worn and sad
I found in him a resting place and He has made me glad...."


But the grand daddy of them all--"There is a Balm in Gilead"--

"There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sinsick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain
But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.

If you can not preach like Peter, if you can not pray like Paul
You can tell the love of Jesus, and say He died for all.

Don't ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend
and if you lack for knowledge, he'll ne'er refuse to lend."