It was St. Augustine of Hippo, pictured above, who inspired (I believe) one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs. The whole text of the song is below, and you can listen to Dylan sing it if you click the link to the title.
I love that last and very powerful verse, but I think my favorite lines may be these: "Go on your way accordingly, but know you're not alone."
Knowing (and truly believing) that we are "not alone" is an inestimable gift. In times of tribulation and trouble (and here we are), we do need to persevere. That's on us, but I do believe that Dylan is right. We are not alone! This is, of course, a "statement of faith," appropriate for a Sunday, and may my personal statement of faith, right here, be as a blessing to all who hear of it!
And listen to Dylan's song, if you don't already know it!
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
Alive as you or me
Tearing through these quarters
In the utmost misery
With a blanket underneath his arm
And a coat of solid gold
Searching for the very souls
Whom already have been sold
“Arise, arise,” he cried so loud
In a voice without restraint
“Come out, ye gifted kings and queens
And hear my sad complaint
No martyr is among ye now
Whom you can call your own
So go on your way accordingly
But know you’re not alone”
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
Alive with fiery breath
And I dreamed I was amongst the ones
That put him out to death
Oh, I awoke in anger
So alone and terrified
I put my fingers against the glass
And bowed my head and pride
Copyright © 1968 by Dwarf Music; renewed 1996 by Dwarf Music
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