His alcoholic father died when Ron was 10. His mother, an angry and abusive woman, abandoned him shortly after. For months, Ron lived a life of basic survival in the streets of Houston, often eating from dumpsters. Hope returned for Ron when law enforcement discovered him, and the state took him into protective custody. As he learned about God’s love through his avid reading of the Bible and the care of others for him, Ron became aware of a higher purpose in human suffering. And he became a person of faith.

the Healing and the Higher Ground
Vocal: Mike Cross
Words and Music: Ron, Douglas Balentine, Gary Priour
In the middle of a bridge you stand,
helpless and afraid,
angry rapids swirling at your feet.
Night lost in confusion, memories of pain,
fog wraps all around you
like a blanket in the rain.

Is it fear that motivates you
or fear that holds you back
from moving through the hurt
to the healing and the higher ground.

Is He right there walking with you,
will trusting help you see?
Is He with us always like he said?
There’s safety in the waiting,
but it’s time to walk on through.
If He meets you in the darkness,
the promises are true.

 Chorus: There’s One that’s gone before you,
a passage has been found,
past the hurt to the healing
and the higher ground.

The first step is the hardest,
it takes an act of faith,
though you’ve been walking all your life.
An inner lamp will guide you
to where you cannot see,
across that bridge from what has been
to what is meant to be.

He’s right there walking with you,
trust will help you see.
He’s always been beside you,
just like He said He’d be.
There’s safety in the waiting,
but it’s time to walk on through.
He’ll meet you in the darkness,
His promises are true. (End Chorus)