Earl

Sometimes a melody can speak when spoken words run dry

Earl, I wrote this down to tell the truth without a cry

We need to learn to share the weight of what we feel inside

And talk about the heavy things outsiders try to hide

I love you, sweetheart, deeply, and I’m standing by your side

So listen to my heart tonight, let nothing be denied

God gave us two sweet girls to raise and six grandbabies now

Folks looked upon our blessings and the envy wore a frown

So baby, let’s protect this bond and say what needs to be

Be still and let the Lord work out the rest in you and me

I love you, Earl, forever through the strain

He’s turning every whisper into praise above the pain

It cut so deep when people came and smiled into my face

Then turned their backs and laughed out loud to mock my tender place

They act like I don't feel the sting, like I don't bleed inside

When all I did was lend a hand with arms open wide

I helped their children, loved their kin, but still they drew the line

They tried to pull our marriage down and rob your peace and mine

God gave us two sweet girls to raise and six grandbabies now

Folks looked upon our blessings and the envy wore a frown

So baby, let’s protect this bond and say what needs to be

Be still and let the Lord work out the rest in you and me

I love you, Earl, forever through the strain

He’s turning every whisper into praise above the pain

My own mother is gone on home, she did some hurtful things

I had to find forgiveness for the freedom that it brings

And your mother is still with us, Earl, I know you love her so

She broke that close connection, but I never let love go

It takes an honest apology to right what went astray

And only Jesus has the power to fix that broken way

Don't think I harbor bitterness, the Lord told me to love

Even the ones who act like foes are covered from above

I know it hurts your spirit when family falls apart

But we don't have to force the mend or carry every dart

We take the promise in the Word, we lay down all the strife

And keep our sacred promises inside this married life

God gave us two sweet girls to raise and six grandbabies now

Folks looked upon our blessings and the envy wore a frown

So baby, let’s protect this bond and say what needs to be

Be still and let the Lord work out the rest in you and me

I love you, Earl, forever through the strain

He’s turning every whisper into praise above the pain