I wish that I could hold your hand,
And tell you how I understand,
But since I've not walked in your shoes,
Nor paid the price you've paid as dues.

While I cannot begin to know,
The broken heart that pains you so;
The loss of trust and love you feel,
Is forged in mem'ry, hard as steel.

Those things you've lost while in your youth,
Cannot be given back, in truth,
And so the struggle still remains,
While life goes on through memory pains.

The loneliness of secrets kept,
Through all the nights you've never slept,
Reliving memories of hell,
While knowing you can never tell.

And yet there is relief in sight,
For those who live this secret plight.
No matter whether small or grown,
You've never really been alone.

Our savior has been there with you,
And witnessed all that you've been through.
He's felt your pain and broken heart,
And been with you right from the start.

Remember in Gethsemane,
While praying near the Olive tree,
The blood he sweat from every pore,
Our agony he felt and more.

His tears and blood for us he shed,
While thorns were pressed upon his head,
And then he gave his mortal life,
As sacrifice for all our strife.

Yes, He has been with you and me.
He shared our pains up on that tree.
His life was service to mankind,
For all that seek, that each may find.

To see the value of his life,
We must acknowledge all his strife,
And give a value to his pain;
He served us all, that all may gain.

Perhaps these challenges we have,
Are embryonic healing suave,
That we may use to help a friend,
And maybe help a heart to mend.

"Why me?" I've said in times before,
Please take this cup I must implore,
But then I know I must partake,
Because it is for other's sake.

I hope that as I live each day,
That challenges will stay away,
Yet when they come with pain and grief,
I am sustained by my belief.

"Why me?" Because I have been blessed;
Because I'm strengthened for the test,
I'm given what I can endure,
I testify, of that I'm sure!

Then with experiences gained,
I'll help someone who's faith has waned,
And then I've given value to,
The painful trials I've been through.

© James O'Brien
April 2003