Standing in gratitude, living in joy,
we reach beyond old wounds and pain.

The waters have parted,
and we have crossed over to new life,
leaving our fears on the distant shore.

Standing in gratitude, living in joy,
we move forward into abundant new life.

God has parted the seas of fear and doubt.
Let us raise tambourines to dance and shout,
giving thanks to our God.

Standing in gratitude, living in joy,
we build a community of trust and love.

God is with us in our falling and rising,
in our living and dying,
in our growing and healing this world.

Standing in gratitude, living in joy,
we dance and sing our praise to God!

Poem may be used with attribution. Tina Datsko de Sánchez serves as Poet in Residence at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach. She is the author of the bilingual poetry book The Delirium of Simón Bolívar.