Sticks and Stones
(By list member Debbie Preuss, October 7, 1999)

"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me."
That is what she always sang, but the hurt just wasn’t seen
As she walked slowly home, she was feeling like a fool
For she couldn’t stand up to, the taunting she got at school

They called her every name they could, that they knew would hurt
And she always left each day, feeling worthless as the dirt
She didn’t really want to go home, for she wasn’t wanted there
She just wanted to run away, to find someone who’d care

But she always went back to her home, for she was so afraid
That she was really worthless, so the truth she would evade
She built a wall around her, not letting the hurt in
But she didn’t realize at that time, she carried the hurt within

And though she built her walls and then put on the lid
She found there was still no place, where her pain could be hid
Oh, she went to Sunday school, every single week
But she felt so out of place, she felt like such a freak

She heard the gospel story, but her heart was hard
She couldn’t let anyone in, she was always on her guard
Though she would participate, she never quite fit in
She felt so worthless in the group, she never felt akin

As she walked slowly home, she heard in her mind the rhyme
The word’s she’d heard so long ago, but she’d changed the words this time
"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will break my heart"
For even after many years, she still felt set apart

Every name that she’d been called, was burned upon her brain
Whenever she would think of them, they would cause fresh pain
As the years went by she continued, to faithfully go to church
Though she looked for a way she was worthy, she knew it was a futile search

She did her various jobs, to the best of her ability
As she tried to forget about, the awful sense of futility
As she worked through the years, she began to dream
Of the day, oh was it possible, that she could be part of the team

But her hopes were shattered again and again, and in the effort to cope
She just quit her wishful dreaming, and she gave up hope
One day when she was at the bottom, she called out in despair
"God, I’ve learned about You, but are You really there?"

And in the empty silence, amidst the echo of her words
She was amazed by a voice that said, "Yes, My child, I’ve heard"
She called out again, "what shall I do, so that I can start
To really know You as my God" He said, "ask Me in your heart"

So she prayed a simple prayer, asking forgiveness of her sin
Asking the Almighty God, to forever reside within
When her prayer was over, there was a lightness she’d never known
As her Heavenly Father came in and made her His own

The wounds that had accumulated, over all the years
One by one were healed, through many prayers and tears
Now she walks with her Lord in the morning, when the grass is covered with dew
And still she hears the age old rhyme, but with words that are so new

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but God’s word will mend my heart"
He offers all to be His children, and get a brand new start
So with His almighty strength, she lets Him lead her on
Thankful that in her heart, He has placed a brand new song

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but God has healed my heart"
Now the life I’ve been dreaming of, is finally about to start
With my Savior’s hand in mine, I have nothing left to fear
For I know He loves me, and He is always near

He has healed the many wounds, of my broken heart
He has also promised me, we will never be apart
Though sticks and stones may break my bones, my God is the Great Healer
Of my future in heaven above, He is the only true Sealer

He has healed all I’ve brought to Him, no matter how many pieces
Then once He has finished the job, a new life to me He releases
So thank You now my Father, for healing all the pain
That seemed to be burned forever, into my suffering brain

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me"
Is only one of satan’s lies, and now at last I’m free!