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Just Another Birthday

If you haven’t heard the song Just Another Birthday from Casting Crown’s newest CD (Come to the Well), please read these lyrics:

Sixteen finds me blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me is everyone but the one I'm wishing for
And he sent me flowers and gift-wrapped excuses
From a daddy whose daughter wants to see him again

And I know, I know it's just another birthday
But I guess I thought this would be the one
When he would call me, see me, hold me and free me
But it's just another birthday, and I'll be fine

Nineteen finds me and I'm wild-eyed and wide open
I gave myself away to love but backseat promises fade like a mist
I'm screaming at the midnight air. Everyone hears me but I don't care
My heart's clenched just like a fist ‘cause, people, I didn't ask for any of this

And I know, I know it's just another birthday
But I guess I thought this would be the one
When he would call me, see me, hold me and free me
But it's just another birthday, and I'm not fine

In the company of strangers in a cold and sterile room
All alone with a child inside me and I don't know what to do
Jesus, can You hear me? Come and heal my brokenness
Put the pieces back together and be a Father to the fatherless

Twenty-one finds me blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me my barefoot princess twirls and sings
It's so amazing looking back at all God's brought us through
You are my happy birthday and you were born to break the chains

Now I know, I know it's not just another birthday
'Cause I'm here, she's here and look how far we've come
Since you've called me, saw me, held me and freed me
Thank you, Lord, for another birthday
And we'll be fine

I’ve had this CD since November but this song still gets to me. Then I found the music video, and that really got me choked up. Let this song serve as a reminder to daddies (and mommies) that our choices affect more than just ourselves. Leaving for “greener pastures” leaves a trail of broken hearts that won’t heal for decades, if ever.

And to the children of neglect and divorce, remember that even if an earthly parent has let you down, your Heavenly Father never will. If you put your faith and trust in Him, then as the song says, you’ll be fine. 

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