Fr. Bill’s CD Lyrics
Paintbrush in the Green : Three-Chord Rope
(On April 29, 2000, my dear friend Wendy Marks received a prophecy for me on the 5th anniversary of my ordination. It included the scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 about the “three-cord rope” not easily broken. I had no clue at the time what that might mean to me. Tucked away the prophecy for future reference. A month and a half later, Wendy’s sudden passing to eternity made me a “Lonely Lazarus,” and when I re- read the notes and cards she had given me, including this prophecy, the rope image still didn’t click. About a year later, one day I went back to Ecclesiates. Suddenly, it came. The three cords are myself, my friend and the Lord. When the cords of life are apparently broken, they’re not really, spiritually. Now that image gives me great comfort, and hope. Ponder that rope with me....)
A Three-Cord Rope is not easily broken
We grasp by faith not just in the things we see
Our lives entwined make a tapestry so holy
Not even death can unravel the unity
The Holy Spirit draws us, anoints the ministry
The fruits seen and unseen inspire humility
Bound strong by God’s own hand,
in prayer our souls unite
None can break the friendship living on beyond our sight
A Three-Cord Rope is not easily broken
We grasp by faith not just in the things we see
Our lives entwined make a tapestry so holy
Not even death can unravel the unity
The holy maiden Clare walked with Francis poverty
In God’s grace brother-sister, in radiant piety
But Sister Death came quickly for Francis first to take
In Spirit-bond saw bridges earth and heaven cannot break
A Three-Cord Rope is not easily broken
We grasp by faith not just in the things we see
Our lives entwined make a tapestry so holy
Not even death can unravel the unity
A three-cord rope