Body

"THE HOMECALL"

When the portals open gently, and darkness only greets our view,
doubts assail us, fears oercome us, "Is our faith in God still true?"

Then true Christians feel the handhold of the one who'se gone before,
quietly he whispers to us, "I am with thee evermore."

"Trust in me despite your fearings, torments, pain, the faith so small,
My deep love will ever hold thee, as you face the Great Homecall."

Lord, through tears that flow so freely, in the trial of this hour,
let us feel thy wondrous presence, and thy love upon us shower.

Teach us rest and resignation as we submit to thy Great Plan,
and peace and trust beyond our knowing, that is the measure of a man.

Let not those who tarry after, mourn to depths of deep despairs.
Lift them up on wings of power to trust a loving God who cares.

Though we cannot know the pathway, for thy people you have planned,
we return our lives unto thee, holding to thy loving hand.

As we then pass through the portals, grant us joy to enter in.
Thy great light will shine around us, cleansing us from every sin.

All will then be only Glory, worshipping for endless days
We will stand transfixed before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.

m.bowden. 1a.m. 31.8.83

Composed on hearing of the death of a friend's wife.