Fr. Bill’s CD Lyrics
Paintbrush in the Green: O Lady Poverty
(Blessed with my two pilgrimages to Assisi, two awesome Saints, Francis and Clare. One holy call I’ve seen by Franciscan friends who live it as a virtue!)
0 Lady Poverty stripped of the world’s desires
Freedom I’ve never known brought love through holy fire
Let me be poorer, still—trading life’s crowns for thorns
Gaining eternal wealth fully-dependent, reborn!
When the master of all called me closer
And the kingdom above gave me worth
Soon all riches down here were distractions
And myself, new creation from earth
When the grace of pure truth beckoned holy
in my soul good detachment made sure
Then the lure of possessions abandoned
And you showed, Lord, how blessed are your poor
My Lady Poverty, simplest way to Christ
Receiving rags from robes
Give now, not counting the price.
Bound to the crucified,
Church He calls virgin-bride
Transcending majesty,
Heaven’s to be glorified!
When the grace of repentance took over
And your sweet Spirit hunted down pride
As your kind Mercy strips me of ego
I desire none but Jesus inside
When I find Christ and truly adore Him
Doesn’t Brother Sun join me in praise
Even when beams of Sister Moon linger
Help me die to self under your gaze
0 Lady Poverty stripped of the world’s desires
Freedom I’ve never known brought love through holy fire
Let me be poorer, still—trading life’s crowns for thorns
Gaining eternal wealth fully-dependent, reborn!