I'm weak and weary.
Holding the weight.
Dark and dreary.
Crying with fate.
Life's blows and bruises
have slapped my face.
Betrayal and deceit have brought
loss, loneliness, and hate.
Love and Truth have lost their place.
I must pick up this cross and follow.
I have stumbled and fallen.
Stones at my feet.
Cold people, uncaring,
hearts hallow.
I can hear my Father calling,
Victory, instead of defeat.



Take up your cross
and follow Me.
The cross is too heavy.
The burdens are too hard to bare.
Tears and weeping in vain.
There is peace, joy,
and freedom somewhere,
And this cross will get me there.
Lord, help me to bare the pain.
Living to die and dying to live.
Please, help me to
love and forgive.
Help me to live as
You want me to,
As I take up this cross
and follow You.


Ida Rosetta Raye Johnson