S6:E25 – Where the River Goes: Steven Beebe, “Longing for Home”

by Matthew Clark | One Thousand Words

Steven A. Beebe, Ph.D., is Regents’ and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Texas State University. He has been a Visiting Scholar at both Oxford University and Cambridge University and author or co-author of 15 books (with editions totaling more than 85 books) used at hundreds of universities throughout the world (including Russian, Chinese, Canadian and International editions) by several million students.  He is also author or co-author of 75 articles/chapters emphasizing communication skill development. He received Texas State’s highest awards for teaching, research, and service, served as president of the National Communication Association, and was named Outstanding Communication Professor in America by the National Speaker’s Association. His book, C. S. Lewis and the Craft of Communication, was the basis for selection as Scholar of the Year by the Religious Communication Association.

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How Long? 

by Matthew Clark

There’s nothing new beneath the sun

There is no song that ain’t been sung

But there is one that won’t go on forever 

That song is writ in blood and tears 

That beat down through these weary years 

A song that burns down in our bones like a fever 

CHORUS

How long, how long, Oh Lord? 

Till we hang our broken harps up by the River? 

How long, how long, Oh Lord?

Till a world that went so wrong is delivered

Your Bride has waited patiently 

Kept watch these many centuries 

Your family tree sent roots down deep to listen

These branches thirst for righteousness 

For springs to burst the firmament  

To wash this withered riverbed with music 

BRIDGE 

Count me among the fools, Out carving little boats

In the middle of the desert 

Who still believes in you, And every word you spoke 

And keeps and eye out for the weather 

CHORUS

How long, how long, Oh Lord? 

Till the labor pain of song gives way to wonder?                                   

How long, how long, Oh Lord?

Till the day you tear the veil of sky asunder