Click on the album picture for a sample of this song.

 Once Again

God has a way of putting the right person within reach when you need them the most.  He brings them close and lets you decide to let them into your life, and sometimes, He just throws them right into your mix because He knows you normally wouldn’t decide to let them in!  I met Carla at church.  We both have similar backgrounds, so it made for an easy connection on a faith-based, as well as a cultural level.  What impressed me the most about this woman was how upbeat she was, despite the many difficulties she faced.  Carla lived her entire life with kidney problems— problems that would later cost her life, but nonetheless, she was a devoted choir member, schoolteacher, usher/greeter at church, and the life of every social gathering.  I remember being particularly touched by her words one day when we were sitting out on the balcony of her loft apartment, “I know that the Lord will work things out...”  I kept thinking, “God, if I could only have the faith to believe in You like that—all the time!!!”

Carla had received a kidney from her brother, but unfortunately, 5 years later her body rejected it.  After 7 years of dialysis three times a week, Carla’s situation was getting pretty desperate as she waited for a kidney suitable for transplant.  We prayed and prayed.  I don’t remember a time of prayer more intense than this (could it be because I loved this woman so?), and through this process, we all grew in our ability to pour out our needs to God and leave them there, watching Him exceed our expectations.  Just when another friend decided to donate a kidney to Carla, there was a hospital announcement of even greater news: THREE KIDNEYS AVAILABLE!!!  Can you imagine?  To see God working in such an amazing way, inspiring Carla to be an inspiration to us with her steadfast faith, inspiring her friend to give the gift of life, and then fortifying the weaker ones of us with this tremendous display of perfect timing?  I had to respond...the pen started scribbling, and in about a day or two, Once Again came forth.

You did it for me once again/You showed me Your love through the faith of my friends
My life is a sign that Your love never ends/Oh, You did it for me—Once again.