Tapestry of Faith: Heeding the Call: A Program on Justicemaking for Junior High School Youth

Handout 1: When I Am Frightened

This is Hymn 1012 in Singing the Journey (Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association, 2005), where it is titled "When I Am Frightened". Words and music (C)1999 Shelley Jackson Denham. Used by permission.

When I am frightened, will you reassure me?

When I'm uncertain, will you hold my hand?

Will you be strong for me? sing to me quietly?

Will you share some of your stories with me?

If you will show me compassion,

then I may learn to care as you do, then I may learn to care.

When I am angry, will you still embrace me?

When I am thoughtless, will you understand?

Will you believe in me, stand by me willingly?

Will you share some of your questions with me?

If you will show me acceptance,

then I may learn to give as you do, then I may learn to give.

When I am troubled, will you listen to me?

When I lonely, will you be my friend?

Will you be there for me, comfort me tenderly?

Will you share some of your feelings with me?

If you will show me commitment,

then I may learn to love as you do, then I may learn to love.

About the Author

Shelley Jackson Denham

Shelley Jackson Denham (1950–2013), a member of First UU Church of Cincinnati and Heritage UU Church in Cincinnati was the author of numerous hymns and songs, including five which appear in the UUA’s Singing the Living Tradition hymn book.

For more information contact .