Lifesong In The Limelight/Sita Henderson

I truly believe that a person's testimony, salvation or otherwise, is one of the most powerful expressions of the Christian faith. I thrive on hearing God-stories. When I had my blog giveaway/contest, I asked for testimonies based on songs affecting one's faith. Well, people submitted, and I was moved. That's where "Lifesong In the Limelight" on Saturdays was born:

So you just gotta meet Sita. Her blog, Sita's Sanctum, is all about giving people a place to visit for peace and safe harbor. I know you will enjoy her incredible testimony that she was willing to share for today's

“Cause Me To Come To Thy River…”

I could not fathom it. The anchor I had tied my life on had been rudely dislodged and I was adrift in a sea of pain that consumed me. My fiancé had just broken off our engagement 2 months away from the scheduled wedding. This in itself was not the primary issue. It was because I was a new immigrant and my fiancé had made this new terrifying country somewhat manageable, somewhat like how it used to be at home. He was also the recipient of my gift of compassion which I poured liberally as he had lost both kidneys and had ongoing health issues. Then he said, “You are nothing to me, you never were…I just needed companionship”. He did not need it anymore. So here I was, lost, and discounted, devalued to nothing.

Then in my fog of pain, I looked to God, “For You to allow this to happen, there must be a reason…Teach me, my Lord.” Then suddenly I remembered having sung this song:

Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to come,
Cause me to drink,
Cause me to live.

Cause me to drink from Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to drink from Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to drink from Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to come,
Cause me to drink,
Cause me to live.

Cause me to live by Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to live by Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to live by Thy river, O Lord,
Cause me to come,
Cause me to drink,
Cause me to live.

This song had become reality this day. I had been singing it without realizing what it meant. So, “Cause me..”, He did. And I was never more needy to drink and live. In the next couple of months, He continued to show me that my words were important and that He is a holy God who would not allow me to use His Name or words flippantly. I had to say what I meant and mean what I say.

He had me look at my newly adopted country and its people through His eyes. I had been viewing myself as a victim of discrimination and using this to justify my coldness towards white Canadians. He gently pointed out, “Who do you think you are? Do you really think that I have favorites? That you are better to me because you feel victimized?” Then it struck me, most of the people I saw as ‘racist’ were simply ignorant or afraid of new people, people outside of their comfort zone. And their sin was no greater than mine. Here I was professing to be His child, going to Bible college to prepare for ministry, with a heart cold towards a sector of the family of God. There followed a time of repentance and forgiveness and wonderful reconciliation. My heart became so tender as I grew in intimacy with my Lord. It was a time that sealed forever my faith, because whenever there are times when God feels absent, I KNOW He is present, I KNOW He loves me.

Since then, I pay attention to my words, His Words, words about Him, words to Him, for I know that He is holy, and that I will be held accountable. So take heed, think about what you say or sing. He is listening, and He may just take you at your word.

Sita Henderson is a woman saved by grace, married to a wonderful man, with 2 awesome boys. Fashioned and shaped by His own Hand for the first half of her life in the island of Trinidad & Tobago, and now in Ontario, Canada, she seeks only to serve Him in whatever way He chooses. Visit Sita's blog, Sita's Sanctum, to read more of God's testimony and wisdom through her.

In the Key of HE,