We thank you God for history’s tales

But which version should we tell?

The story of the powerful rich

Or the poor’s oppressive hell?

Of nurtured soil, or Earth despoiled?

Life extinguished or enjoyed?

The ways religion helped some thrive

While others were destroyed?

 

We thank you God for history’s words

But to what do they refer?

To happy or to grieving tales?

To success or failure’s slur?

Compassion’s acts or ancient wrongs?

Blissful love or hate’s dark throne?

To letting go or holding fast

Befriended or alone?

 

O help us to remember, God,

But with kindness to forgive,

For buried anger warps the mind

And distorts the way we live.

So clothe our pains with love’s caress,

Wash our wounds in beauty’s stream

That we may share your Heaven now

And live Christ’s holy dream.

 

Text and Music © William Livingstone Wallace.

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