The story behind the song
I remember writing this song as if it was yesterday.
I had been a believer for just about 4 years at the time and I still had that new believer zeal. I was so excited to be able to use music not only to bring the gospel to people but to also encourage people on their day-to-day journey.
I remember visiting my parent’s house one summer in the early 90s. On that particular night, we were gathering around the fire as we did so many times growing up, making toast, roasting marshmallows, chatting, laughing, reminiscing and telling stories when my sister Isabelle began sharing how hard it was for her to imagine having to say goodbye to our sister Marie-Claire who was then getting married and planning on moving to the west part of Canada with her husband. I know it may seem trivial but to my sister, it was a big deal. I ran into the house, grabbed my guitar and wrote a song right there and then . I wanted to encourage her to keep her faith in God and so the song “Take My Hand” came to life.
Musician or not, you can never underestimate the power of encouraging someone. You can never minimize the power of pouring into someone, discipling or counseling someone and point them to God. No trial, trouble, pain or hardship is too small or too big for the Lord. It is clear in the Bible that we all have go through troubles and tribulations but it’s also clear that God says he would be with us in the midst of it.
Little did I know when I wrote that song, how far reaching the encouragement would go. Little did I know how many lives would be touched and changed by its message. I could have never expected its impact (God’s impact).
What I am sharing is not a tribute to the songwriter who wrote the song, nor a tribute to how great the band was, but a tribute to how great God is and how He can move in the life of anyone who will simply put their hope and faith in Him.
Take My Hand, Song Lyrics
I know there are times When your dreams turn to dust
And you wonder as you cry why it has to hurt so much
Give me all your sadness
Someday you will know the reason why
With a child-like heart, Simply put your hope in me
Take my hand and walk where I lead
Keep your eyes on me alone
Don’t you say why were the old days better
Just because you’re scared of the unknown
Don’t live in the past, Yesterday’s gone
Wishing memories would last, You’re afraid to carry on
You don’t know what’s coming
But you know the one who holds tomorrow
I will be your guide, Take you through the night
If you keep your eyes on me
Just like a child Holding daddy’s hand
Don’t let go of mine
You know you can’t stand on your own
Take my hand and walk where I lead
Keep your eyes on me alone
Don’t you say why were the old days better
Just because you’re scared of the unknown
Take my hand and walk where I lead
You will never be alone
Faith is to be sure of what you hope for
And the evidence of things unseen