My granddaughter recently introduced me to the music streaming service Spotify; I am officially hooked on this application that is now on my laptop and my iPhone. John Prine, Emmy Lou, Willie and Waylon, and Lyle Lovett, they are all on there. One artist I had not heard of is Mary Gaither, a grammy winning folk singer. I thank the good Lord for helping me find Mary and her music.
One song, in particular, grabs me by the heart. ” Mercy Now.” She came to write this song by living it or knowing someone who has walked that path. I think we all have walked that path at one time or another; I know my trail is well-worn like the wagon tracks on the prairie.
Lyrics to “Mercy Now”
First Verse;
My father
could use a little mercy now
The fruits of his labor fall
and rot slowly on the ground
His work is almost over
it won’t be long; he won’t be around
I love my father; he could use some mercy now
My father has been gone for a long while, since 1995, my mother since 1998, and my oldest son since 2012. I still think of them, but not as often as I once did or should, but this song washes me in their memory. My father started his life as a country musician and ended it as a successful home builder. He became ill in 1994, struggled, and fought a mighty battle, but passed from brain cancer. When he passed, he and I were at odds on a few things that we never resolved, and I deeply regret that. I, if anyone, should have shown him and my son a little mercy; it should have been me. My failure to forgive is my burden to carry. We all are flawed people. God made us that way so he could lead us back to him and give us our faith or let us ride the express train to hell. It’s our decision. Fathers, mothers, sons, sisters, and daughters should put aside their pettiness, interferences, verbal battles, and self-righteous beliefs. Some, too soon, will leave this world, and it should be on good terms and wrapped in forgiveness and love. We will all die, and mercy is our gift to our loved ones.
Third and Fourth Verse That Sums Up Our World
My church and my country
could use a little mercy now
As they sink into a poisoned pit
it’s going to take forever to climb out
They carry the weight of the faithful
who follow them down
I love my church and country,
they could use some mercy now
Every living thing could use a little mercy now
Only the hand of grace can end the race toward another mushroom cloud
People in power,
they’ll do anything to keep their crown
I love life and life itself
could use some mercy now
could use a little mercy now
I know we don’t deserve it
But we need it anyhow
We hang in the balance
Dangle ‘tween hell and hallowed ground
Every single one of us
could use some mercy now
Every single one of us
could use some mercy now
Not since World War II has our country teetered on the verge of war, not just two enemies, but many that will come at us from all continents and within our own country. Our leaders, hungry for power and greed, have let us become weak and lost. Our Churches and our pastors try to appease everyone instead of leading their flock by the word of the Bible and leading us in the right direction. People are angry at one another, some for a good reason, but many are taking their anger and misfortunes out on the innocents, family, or strangers around them.
We all should show a little mercy now.
Notes From The Cactus Patch 