Walk on By


I wrote this back in 2006, whilst I was in Vancouver Canada. I had just walked through the downtown area of the City and had seen so much need, but at the same time so much help and support was available to people.

If I fell in the road today
Would you notice and come my way?
If I was beaten and bruised
Would you come to cleanse my wounds?

If I was lost and astray

Would you leave the many to find the few?
If I was cold and hungry
Would you feed and clothe me?

If I was suffering injustice

Would you stand up for the truth?
If I needed a place to lay my head
Would you give me a bed?

If I was struggling along
Would you stop and offer a hand?
If I looked sad and dismayed
Would you care to say a prayer?

If I needed a friend

Would you come alongside?
If I needed prayer and support
Would you take the time to care?

If I needed a shoulder to cry on

Would you stay there for long?
If I needed to let my anger out
Would you take it and still care?

If I was alone in a room

Would you come over to me?
If I called you in the night
Would you come out to help?

Or Would you walk on by
As you hurry along

Would you sit in church and pray

For ways to help others each day?
Would you stare down your nose
Or turn the other way?

Would you pretend you didn’t see

as you ignore their needs?
Would you ignore the encounter as a fluke
Or see it as an opportunity to share my love?

Do you walk around in a dream

Blind to what I can see?

Do you not see the world in pain

As each goes their own way?

They follow their desires and thoughts

Not knowing where they will lead

They are slaves to sin
Although they think they are free

I sent my son to you

He died on a cross for all
His blood has made you new

If that is what you choose

I leave you my church to care

For all those that you see
I will return one day
For all the world to see

Untill then I need a people that know

The way through for all to find me
For whatever you do to the least
You are doing it for me.