October 10, 2012
As soon as I decided to include this beloved song on our first CD, I knew it would quite possibly cause confusion – listeners being unsure as to what came first, whether the song title or our group’s name. The song was here first, and we named our group many years later.
When this song was written in 2006, history found America in the middle of a war. I spent my adolescence with the constant knowledge that cousins, friends, and friends’ family members were fighting and serving to secure the future of this great land I love and of those dear to me who call it home.
Several times, when writing notes of encouragement to those serving, I would ponder how deeply it must touch such a heart to be so far away – perhaps in the most desperate of circumstances – and to have the unexpected comfort and strength brought by word from home.
As I reflected further, I realized that we all serve far from the true home of our hearts, while leading our lives on this earth. Heaven sometimes seems so far off, and yet God brings it near to us every day in His precious Word, the Holy Bible. The heart of a loving Father looks on His children serving in His name “in a distant land” and sends us His own “Word from Home.”
This song is an acknowledgment of how deeply I need that encouragement, strength, and guidance as I journey here in the service of my God and King. He is so faithful to offer all we need, if we but listen and accept. Our loving Father is speaking to every heart, offering the Word from Home for which we so desperately long.
“He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.” -Psalm 107:20 NIV
“My soul faints with longing for Your salvation, but I have put my hope in Your Word. -Psalm 119:81 NIV
“Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth.” -John 17:17 NIV
Word from Home
Some days are golden; some days are dark and drear.
I take each step God’s planned for me, but I know my heart’s home isn’t here.
Though at times the road grows weary, my soul can find a resting place.
God’s so near; I know His grace when I hear…
Word from home, a message that my Father is waiting for me.
I’m a stranger in a distant land, but home is where I’m meant to be.
I am here for just awhile, and this earth, for now, I roam,
But my heart is lifted, when I hear word from home.
“I am with you always,” my Savior’s words ring true.
In precious Scriptures, He has left a future and hope there for you.
Don’t try to make it on your own. My only strength is Christ alone.
When I fear, He draws me close; then I hear…
Word from home, a message that my Father is waiting for me.
I’m a stranger in a distant land, but home is where I’m meant to be.
I am here for just awhile, and this earth, for now, I roam,
But my heart is lifted, when I hear word from home…
When I hear…
Word from home, a message that my Father is waiting for me.
I’m a stranger in a distant land, but home is where I’m meant to be.
I am here for just awhile, and this earth, for now, I roam,
But my heart is lifted, when I hear word from home…
But my heart is lifted, when I hear word from home.
Written:
©2013 Amy Elizabeth Salter (Rutherford)
