"Patron Saint of All Hurt Children"

2nd Samuel 4.4 NASU

“Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled.

And it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.”

“Mephibosheth” [1]

Verse 1:

Once there was a certain nurse who had a little boy;
She cared for him as if he was her own.
She helped him learn to read and write, and taught him how to love.
They played and sang and laughed and had some fun.

Chorus:

Mephibosheth, can you ever forgive me?
Mephibosheth, patron saint of all hurt children,
I’m so sad I caused you all this pain;
Please come and heal the broken heart in me.

Verse 2:

Then she heard some awful news, it took her by surprise;
She grabbed the child and tried to run outside.
In all her haste she missed a step, and fell and dropped the boy;
Mephibosheth was crippled then for life.

Verse 3:

Jesus make me understand that little pairs of eyes
Are always there to watch my every step.
Deliver me from fear and haste, and all that would destroy
The precious life you placed within my kids.

Verse 4:

Stumbling blocks, they’re bound to come; that’s just what Jesus said.
But woe to him who hurts a little one.
Please help me be a better dad, and keep my children safe
From handicaps caused by this foolish man.

Chorus #2:

Jesus, can you ever forgive me?
Jesus, You watch over all hurt children.
I’m so sad I caused You all this pain.
Please come and help me be a better dad.
Please come and heal this broken heart in me.
Please come and help me be a better dad.

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[1] I was inspired to write this song in September 1983 after reading about Mephibosheth's accident in 2nd Samuel 4.4. The message of this song is still very personal to me. At the time I had two children and one on the way. They are now 41, 39, and 37 years old. God blessed me with four more children since then. I am very proud of all seven of my kids (and eleven grandchildren). They have grown up to become wonderful human beings in spite of the many mistakes I made raising them. Thank you Jesus.