Inspired by lyrics to “What I Hold On To” by Sue Riley and Melinda Wood Allen
“With the hard-earned wisdom I have now, I wouldn’t do again what my old self would allow.
What I hold onto … wouldn’t let me be free…. now I see, I’m getting closer to a new, more peaceful me.
I’m holding on to what I want to keep. I feel lighter, I sleep better, its love that’s holding me….
My new religion is live and let be….now I can stand back and see – the past is the past, but the future’s up to me. What I hold on to holds on to me….”
Responsive Reading for October 17
“It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Letting go of all the blame and heartache, now I see,
I’m getting closer to a new, more peaceful me.
I’m holding on to what I want to keep.
I feel lighter, I sleep better, its love that’s holding me.
“As I was with Moses, I will be with you: I will not leave you nor forsake you …. Only be strong and steadfast . . . . Then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed. I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5-8).
What I hold on to holds on to me….
What I held onto wouldn’t let me be free.
My new religion is live and let be.
What I hold on to holds on to me.
“Thus says the Lord: Let my people go to serve me” (Exodus 7:26).
Now I can stand back and see –
the past is the past, but the future’s up to me.
“As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it” (Matthew 10:12-13).
I’m getting closer to a new, more peaceful me.
I’m holding on to what I want to keep . . . .
It’s love that’s holding me.