“Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger” lyrics (author unknown)
I’m just a poor wayfarin’ stranger A-travelin’ through this world of woe. But there’s no sickness, toil, or danger In that great land to which I go. I’m goin’ there to meet my Savior; I’m goin’ there no more to roam. I’m just a-goin’ over Jordan; I’m just a-goin’ over home.
The haunting melody of this song makes it even more beautiful. (And I can’t believe how perfect it is for someone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity who literally “roams” trying to find a safe place to live.)
Sometimes my suffering feels overwhelming. This is especially true when watching our children suffer (such as our daughter during one of her seizures). Sometimes the weight of everything we have been through presses me down. Sometimes the discouragement and lack of hope for relief make my heart ache with sadness. I struggle through another day, praying for God’s grace on my situation and attitude….
Sometimes I identify with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ who sang spirituals like the one above. The slaves who suffered so greatly must have had some of the same emotions that I have. Why do I have to go through all this? It’s not fair. Why does God not do something? Or maybe they were stronger than I. Maybe they accepted their deep trials more graciously than I am. Their Spirituals certainly expressed their strong faith.
The song above is one of my favorites. It is one my heart sings as I reach out to God to help me. The Christian slaves who sang it are one of my inspirations to keep going.
If you are discouraged, maybe you will want to read the beautiful lyrics again. There really IS a land with no more sickness, toil, or danger. Someday God will take those who put their faith in Jesus to that great land.
Christa Upton Black Hills Picture Books PO Box 293 Custer, SD 57730
