Peddler of Hope

[verse]
They called him Evangel and sensed he was wise by the
Smile of acceptance and grace in his eyes
Some people said he was touched in the head, but
I knew the touch was to his heart, instead

[prechorus]
His eyes opened wide when he met the Christ, and
That’s the day he stood on a soapbox and said

[chorus]
I will never again be content to
See my fellow man treated with contempt
I will arise and fight for the dignity of
Those who are too weak to stand on their own. We
Carry the image of God in our souls, so
I will be a peddler of hope

[verse]
They were a ragtag collection of dreamers
Risk takers, grace givers, humble and bold
They knew the mercy and freedom they were given was
Far greater treasure than infinite gold

[verse]
The weak and downtrodden, the outcast and poor
Widows of wine and orphans of war
These are the ones, overlooked and obscure, the
Fellowship of suffering, called to endure

[prechorus]
A peddler of hope looks beyond what is seen
Past fragile egos and frail humanity and says

[chorus]

[verse]
I heard a rumor a wry sense of humor
Knit them together in love for the lost
Laughing and crying while living and dieing, they
Panhandle hope at the foot of the cross

[chorus]

9/3/2005 donald p harris