This is a break from the news of the day, a break from Iran and media overload.

This is dedicated to our friend, pgroup2.

Is Earth “home” for mankind, or, just a stopover on our way to another place of existence?

Hebrews 11:13 tells us;

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”

This opener is about a song.

Wayfaring Stranger

I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger, from the movie “1917”

[Verse 1]
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
I’m travellin’ through this world of woe
Yet there’s no sickness, toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go

[Chorus 1]
I’m going there to see my Father
I’m going there, no more to roam
I’m only going over Jordan
I’m only going over home

[Verse 2]
I know dark clouds will gather ’round me
I know my way is rough and steep
But golden fields lie just before me
Where God’s redeemed shall ever sleep

[Chorus 2]
I’m going home to see my mother
And all my loved ones who’ve gone on
I’m only going over Jordan
I’m only going over home

[Verse 3]
I am a poor wayfarin’ stranger
I’m travellin’ through this world of woe
Yet there’s no sickness, toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go

[Chorus 1]
I’m going there to see my Father
I’m going there, no more to roam
I’m only going over Jordan
I’m only going over home

Those are the lyrics of a uniquely American folk spiritual in the public domain dating back to pre-Civil War days. These particular lyrics are from one of many versions of the same song. It is one of many songs from the era of which there is no known songwriter credited. A version of these lyrics were published along with many others from the period in The Christian Songster in 1858. These songs were sung at camps, prayer meetings, social gatherings and revivals. Perhaps you know or have heard some of them.

https://hymnary.org/hymnal/CS1858

When you review them they have common themes that center around the belief that this earth is not our home. The songs are filled with both joy and great sorrow. A strong theme of hope for better times and reunions with loved ones abound throughout. And of course, they speak to the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ, as well as the adversity of Satan. Below is one of my favorite versions that match the lyrics above. It is hauntingly beautiful to go with the war imagery.

The Historical Period

Since these songs were originated in America and primarily composed in the lead up to the Civil War, the themes would reflect the attitudes and beliefs of common Americans during the period. The songs pull back the curtain on what people thought, believed and experienced. It appears the commie leftists have not yet found a way to hide these truths.

With our nation being founded under God’s Providence by a vast majority of Christians in its growing population, we can gain understanding of how the two centuries evolved from the pilgrims arrival in the words of these and other songs of the period. What we discover is they are remarkably consistent with those colonial predecessors.

Perhaps they knew what was about to come to this great land as the drumbeat of the impending Civil War became louder. Wars, violence and hardship of some sort always seemed to be present anyway. They also knew they would be the ones called upon to fight those wars and suffer the great losses that were to come. They longed for a better future and many saw that as only happening when they went to their eternal “home”.

So let’s move this along with some quality versions of the song. Pick and choose your flavor, or all of them when you get time.

First, from the Man in Black…

For the hillbilly bluegrass fans comes this performance of the song from the Father of Bluegrass during his latter days on earth.

Emmylou brings her wonderful style,

A quality country sound, a more recent version with some lyrics modification from Travis.

Yet, the song is timeless and travels across the pond as Ed Sheeran demonstrates in his own unique style…

Conclusion

Our American heritage offers strong clues of who we have been and are destined to be. We just need to pay attention and look for the evidence. Today we found evidence in an American folk spiritual song from two centuries ago. What we learn from it and others from the period is that four centuries have come and gone since the Pilgrims arrival and we have been searching for peace that America gives us the opportunity to find… as long as we continue to fight for her and each other.

Meanwhile, Christians know this world is not our home, that we are Wayfaring Strangers. Through Christ we have a heavenly passport to our eternal home. We are just passing through doing God’s will while here. There is no place like home when we are born again citizens of God’s Heaven.

Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.

Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.