Forgiven

The following original poem was inspired by “Why Me?” which was written and sung by Kris Kristofferson. In 2000 Ralph Emery, notable disc jockey and television host, hosted a casual gathering of some of country music's great artists. Kristofferson was one those who was part of that gathering. During his segment of the show he said he had a “profound religious experience” while attending the church of Pastor Jimmie Snow. Kristofferson had been invited to go to church by singer Connie Smith. Toward the end of the service, as is customary in many Protestant churches, Pastor Snow asked if anyone was lost to raise their hands. The notion of doing this was foreign to Kristofferson and so he thought to himself that it was “out of the question”. Yet, his hand did go up. Then Pastor Snow asked if anyone was ready to accept to Jesus to “come down front”, referencing the altar. Kristofferson just knew that would never happen, or so he thought, as he indeed found himself going down to the altar. You see, it wasn't about Kristofferson's will but God's. When asked if he was ready to accept Christ Kristofferson said he didn't know. He has said he has no memory of just what Pastor Snow said to him but whatever it was he said he felt a release. He came away from that church visit with forgiveness he didn't know he needed. Kristofferson accepted Christ that day and “Why Me?” came from that experience. I'll link the video in which he gives his testimony and sings the song.

I can relate to Kristofferson not recalling just what Pastor Snow said to him. I was 14 when my best friends sister sat with me in my bedroom and led me to the Lord. I don't recall exactly what she said to me. I know the date because of the little New Testament she gave me afterwards. At the church we attended at the time I did follow up with believers baptism. I wonder if Kristofferson ever did as in the many interviews I've seen, where the subject of the song and it's backstory comes up, he's never mentions baptism.

When thinking of a title for this poem one word kept coming up- forgiven. I then remembered what Kristofferson said about having a forgiveness he didn't know he needed. So “Forgiven” it is.                   

Forgiven

I can't answer “why?” for you, me or anyone

I just know that God our Father loves us so

No matter what we've said or done

If we ask for it on us forgiveness He will bestow.

I was born owing a sin debt I could never pay

so the Son of God paid the bill on Calvary's hill

and my sins were washed away

when His cleansing blood it did spill.

For me God's only begotten Son to the cross was nailed

For me he bled and on that cross He did die

From this world of darkness and sin I was bailed

and He sits at His Father's right hand on high

Lord, shield me from evil by wrapping your love around me

Steady me as I stand and when I walk, Lord, hold my hand

I once was so blind and now, hallelujah, I see

Because of Calvary one day I'll behold that heavenly land.

I'll go home to that heavenly land one day

Where I hope to see the face of Christ who took my place

on an old rugged cross that stood on a hill far away

And to hear the angel band sing “Amazing Grace”.

I was so undeserving of all God did for me

He loves without condition and saves us from perdition

I'll hand Him my bejeweled crown so gladly

as His plan for me will have come to fruition.

tkparrish 9/4-6/2021