Easter - A Salvation Story

Easter- A Salvation Story

I went to church that Easter morning in a dress my mother made me
If I gave it all to Jesus I was told that I'd be made free
So I polished my good shoes and wore white gloves upon my hands
My hair was brushed and shining-I was dressed to beat the band

In the pew I sat, my eyes closed, small hands folded, dark head bowed
I wanted Christ to come to me and call my name out loud.
I could hear the preacher telling me that Jesus was my friend
And I knew if I prayed hard enough, he'd show himself again.

So I sang and prayed and prayed and sang and patiently awaited
I knew that day would be the day - our meeting had been fated
Minutes dragged, hours passed, time was hard and unforgiving
But I was there to claim my prize among the joyful living.

So I would wait, determined, like the Marys at the tomb
I knew Paradise was promised and for me there must be room
And just when I was faltering, my will was giving way
A golden warmth engulfed me, I was bathed in love's bright rays.

And sweet peace like a river washed over and around me.
My eyes were filled with visions of salvation only I'd see.
Like Joseph in his dream coat I saw stars and moon and sun
And I heard a small voice whisper, "Your battle has been won."

On that bright Easter morning church bells rang and love rained down
On that bright Easter morning, I was lost and then was found
And on that day they baptized me and washed me in the waters
I was washed in the blood of the lamb they'd led to slaughter.

I was just a little girl, but I could feel my spirit flowing
Like a river in flood that breaks its banks and just keeps growing
My small dark heart unloosed its chains and merging with the waters
I became a child of God - heaven's laughing daughter.

We were marching to the Promised Land, to Canaan or to Zion
And all the love our spirits held relit the dark horizon
I'd become a faithful pilgrim like the woman at the well
Each step I took would lead me further from the gates of hell.

And I walked that path for many years, I still recall each step
Each word, each note of every song I've treasured and I've kept
Who hears my prayers now, I'm not sure, but a light still lives within me
And my chains remain unbroken and my laughing spirit flows free.

A child's boundless faith is what I had- that now has left me
But I still have the music and a Sunday morning memory
Of a shining Easter day and a dress my mother made me
And the feeling of love's smile that gave me wings so I could fly free.