THE SPIRIT OF BROKENNESS
(Written in 1996)

Every writer has a favorite song that they’ve written, and this is mine. No it’s not the fastest, highest or loudest, but it’s my favorite. The reason is simple…I’ll always have a need to be broken. Wherever I am in my relationship to God, I’ll always need to be closer. I’ll never be finished. I’ll always need a little bending here and there. And you know, He won’t do anything with me until I give Him permission. He won’t barge in. He’s a perfect gentlemen. That’s why Rodney Griffin needs to hear this song.

Our group’s favorite evangelist is Bill Stafford, from Chattanooga, Tennessee. His every message seems to come back to one theme…brokenness. And we need to hear it. You see, in the gospel music world, we are constantly being told that we singers, are great, talented and the best of the best. And, if we believe what we hear, we will believe something false about ourselves.

The truth is, we are no different than anyone else. We are simply christians. And every christian has the same struggle, the Spirit versus the flesh. The flesh loves to hear about how good it is. It loves to think that it doesn’t need help from God to attain goodness. And if you were honest, you’d admit that your flesh feels the same way. It does not like to be told what to do, by God or anybody. Therefore, we all could use a little brokenness, whether we make our living on a stage, or on a construction site.

I wrote this song with Gerald in mind to sing it. After hearing so many Bill Stafford sermons on brokenness, I knew there had to be a song here. I finished the chorus and sat on it for six months. I could not get anywhere on the verses. All I knew was that I wanted the song to have the theme of humility all through it. I wanted to open up my heart, and take the listener on a very personal journey of my spiritual walk with God, so I wrote it in the first person. You see, none of us stays on the spiritual mountaintop forever. This walk is oftentimes a struggle. And, it’s a battle that can only be won by one with a humble spirit…a spirit of brokenness.

Click to hear The Spirit of Brokenness

Lyrics…

Verse 1 I remember the night, so long ago The first time I called on your name Empty, and broken, ashamed of my sin I asked if this sinner you’d save But the cares of life, have darkened the light And I feel like I’m drifting away So break me, mold me, cleanse me, then hold me I want to, be near you, today

Chorus Lord, give me The Spirit Of Brokenness Like you gave when I first called your name And replace all my pride, with humility Lord, a broken, willing vessel I’ll be.

Verse 2 I never set out, to drift into sin My intentions are never to stray But my flesh is weak, and I’m so prone to fall Like a child, I go my own way ‘Til I hear your cry, from deep down inside Saying, “Go back, to Calvary again” “There, you’ll see My flesh opened, and my Spirit Broken Then surely, you’re drifting will