Let Mercy Lead

A man that I met and had the opportunity to work with briefly wrote this wonderful song (he's written many) entitled Let Mercy Lead. I've listened to the song for many years and little did I know that it would one day play a small part in influencing the naming of my son (see 'A Son is Born' below). Rich Mullins has been a shaping influence in my life, through his songs, yes - but more through the life he led. He has challenged me to pursue God with passion and intensity while perservering in the struggle against my inbred rebellion toward God. Rich also really loved Ireland and the people here - which is something we have in common. I have also had the privilege of working with his brother David Mullins at our first ever Dreamers of the Day retreat in November 2003. I honour the life of Rich in how God has, and is, using him (even in death), while honouring my son with a name that has a depth of meaning and the strength of Irish/Celtic tradition. Here's the song - a sort of prayer and blessing over the new life of Aidan Scott Tucker.

LET MERCY LEAD Rich Mullins and Beaker Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Psalm 78:3-8

Aidan you're young But Aidan you're growing fast Me and your mom And all the love we have We can only take you so far As far as we can But you'll need something more to guide your heart As you grow into a man

Let mercy lead Let love be the strength in your legs And in every footprint that you leave There'll be a drop of grace If we can reach Beyond the wisdom of this age Into the foolishness of God That foolishness will save Those who believe Although their foolish hearts may break They will find peace And I'll meet you in that place Where mercy leads

Aidan the day Aidan the day will come You'll run the race That takes us way beyond All our trials and all our failures And all the good we dream of But you can't see yet where it is you're heading But one day you'll see the face of love

Let mercy lead Let love be the strength in your legs And in every footprint that you leave There'll be a drop of grace If we can reach Beyond the wisdom of this age Into the foolishness of God That foolishness will save Those who believe Although their foolish hearts may break They will find peace Where mercy leads

Let mercy lead Let love be the strength in your legs And in every footprint that you leave There'll be a drop of grace If we can reach Beyond the wisdom of this age Into the foolishness of God That foolishness will save Those who believe Although their foolish hearts may break They will find peace And I'll meet you in that place Let mercy lead Let mercy lead

Let mercy lead Let love be the strength in your legs And in every footprint that you leave There'll be a drop of grace If we can reach Beyond the wisdom of this age Into the foolishness of God That foolishness will save Let mercy lead

Let mercy lead Let love be the strength in your legs And in every footprint that you leave There'll be a drop of grace If we can reach Beyond the wisdom of this age Into the foolishness of God That foolishness will save Let mercy lead

Copyright 1995 - Edward Grant, Inc. and Kid Brothers of St. Frank Publishing