Stand By Me, written by Charles Albert Tindley in 1905, is an absolutely beautiful hymn. I discovered it like many others by hearing Elvis Presley’s cover of it recorded in 1966. But many other singers have recorded it over the years, probably the other most well-known being the Staple Singers in 1961. Here are the original lyrics as written by this Methodist preacher:

When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea,
thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.

In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,
thou who never lost a battle, stand by me.

In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand,
thou who knowest all about me, stand by me.

In the midst of persecution, stand by me.
In the midst of persecution, stand by me.
When my foes in battle array, undertake to stop my way,
thou who saved Paul and Silas, stand by me.

When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When my life becomes a burden, and I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
O thou Lily of the Valley, stand by me

c1905 Charles Albert Tindley

I listened to this yesterday while I was alone. I turned it up, closed my eyes. Truth, raw honesty, beauty. I cried tears, but they were tears of soul washing, of dependence, of trust in our Mighty and Powerful God.

If you have a moment alone today, I encourage you to do the same.

If I can ever pray for you, please let me know.

Blessings, Lisa