Southern Comforts'
I watched a show on TV as we brought in the New Year in,
Full of guitar, banjo, fiddle, dolbro, mandolin.
Recorded at the Reimann down there in in 'ol Nashville,
Home-grown country pickin' for a two hour special show.
I really do enjoy, hearing that sweet bluegrass sound.
Even as I write this, I wish I was Dixie-bound'
A lovely sense of calm, serenity- that is what I felt.
And I pondered how different life is in the Bible-belt.
God is widely worshipped in many southern hearts,
And, from a child, they're taught how He plays a vital part.
Of daily lives, through livestock and with their crops,
Which would quickly disappear should His Grace ever stop'
Oh, they aren't "automatic Christians," there are some wild ones too.
Who refuse to honor Jesus like so many of them do.
I've been down there and worshipped with family-in-the-Lord,
And I've been greatly impacted by their love of God's word'
Why, when a southern summer Sunday rolls around,
Many churches have "all day singing and supper on the ground."
There's a great respect for kin-folk that we have not up here.
Their extended family is something that they hold dear.
Now I was born a yankee, over fifty years ago,
And New Englanders are known to be colder than the snow'
I'm here, my roots are deep and I doubt I'll ever roam.
But it sure would be a comfort to bring those southern values home.
It matters not to God if you have a pedigree.
Simple faith and trust in Him is what He longs to see.
Reaching out to folks with hospitality and touching them with love.
Oh, what a pleasure this brings to the Father above'
Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and love Him with all your heart;
Then His peace comes flooding in and coldness must depart'
Arthur Ball (H.S.L.P.)
January 21, 2007
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