Always been a stranger - born in the U.S.A, as a baby went on a ship to Tokyo (1st home on earth for 3 years), then the States and abroad. Born into a military family - spent entire childhood moving from one military base to the next. During teenage years, always liked to hitch-hike.
Left home at 18, moving a thousand miles away to Florida for college. After that, went 10,000 miles to the mission field. By God's grace, have tried to go everywhere the Lord leads, regardless of the distance, time, or expense - no limits.
The States, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand, Belgium, U.K., Netherlands, and France - all were great places to live or visit, always as a stranger.
Been listening to a song these past years. Not quite sure if it was written by Bob Dylan or the Blind Boys from Alabama. Regardless, the words of this song couldn't better express the feelings, thoughts, and faith of a stranger.
Been living in the Mariana Islands now for almost ten years. At 72 years of age, the reality is quite clear - will always be a stranger where ever. Only because of God, I'm filled with hope and anxiously wait to move to my final resting place with Jesus, forever.
Here are the lyrics of "I believe in you," either written by Bob Dylan or the Blind Boys of Alabama (especially like the Blind Boys version). You can listen to it on YouTube. Hope you enjoy it.
I believe in you - by Bob Dylan
They ask me how I feel
And if my love is real
And how I know I’ll make it through
And they, they look at me and frown
They’d like to drive me from this town
They don’t want me around
Lord I believe in you
They show me to the door
They say don’t come back here no more
’Cause I don’t be like they’d like me to
And I walk out on my own
Ten thousand miles from home
But I don’t feel alone
Lord I believe in you
I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter
I believe in you even though we be apart
I believe in you even on the morning after
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
Oh, when the night is disappearing
Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart
Don’t let me drift too far
Keep me where you are
Where I will always be renewed
And that which you’ve given me today
Is worth more than I could pay
And no matter what they say
Lord I believe in you
I believe in you when winter turns to summer
I believe in you when white turns to black
I believe in you even though I be outnumbered
Oh, though the earth may shake me
Oh, though my friends forsake me
Oh, even that couldn’t make me go back
Don’t let me change my heart
Keep me set apart
From all the plans they do pursue
And I, I don’t mind the pain
Don’t mind the driving rain
I know I will sustain
Lord I believe in you