God Knows What I Cried Through

# GOD KNOWS WHAT I CRIED THROUGH *An original gospel testimony* [Intro – Spoken Word, Soft Piano] Everybody sees me smiling. They see me showing up. They see me taking care of my family. They see me trying to keep it all together. But God knows… God knows about them nights I cried when nobody was around. The prayers I whispered when I didn't know what else to do. The times I almost gave up but somehow found the strength to get up again. I can't tell you I never got tired. I can't tell you I never questioned why. All I can tell you is… I'm still here. And God knows what I cried through. [Verse 1 – Soft, Emotional] I've had some nights I couldn't find my peace, Praying to the Lord, asking Him to strengthen me. Wiping my tears before the morning came, Getting up again, though my heart still felt the pain. Everybody sees the smile I wear, But they don't know the weight I've had to bear. I've had some moments I thought I couldn't make it through, But somehow, Lord, I kept holding on to You. [Pre-Chorus – Building Emotion] When my strength was gone, When my hope was low, When I couldn't see the way, You wouldn't let me go. I thought I was standing all alone, But looking back, I see I was never on my own. [Chorus – Powerful, Soulful Vocals] God kept me when I almost gave up, When life got heavy and the road got rough. Everybody sees me smiling, looking strong, But God knows how many nights I've cried alone. I was breaking where nobody could see, But the Lord kept holding on to me. I don't have it all together, But I'm still standing today. If you ask me how I made it, I can only say… God kept me. God kept me. When I almost gave up, My God kept me. [Verse 2 – Deeper, More Personal] I've said goodbye to people I wasn't ready to lose, Carried grief and pain I never wanted to go through. I've had bills and worries weighing heavy on my mind, Trying to make a way when I couldn't see a sign. I had little eyes depending on me, So I kept on moving when I wanted to fall to my knees. A mother trying to be strong for everybody else, Sometimes forgetting I needed help myself. And Lord, You know the woman I'm becoming, All the healing and the growing I'm still doing. I ain't perfect, and I won't pretend to be, But I'm thankful You never gave up on me. [Pre-Chorus – Stronger] When my strength was gone, When my hope was low, When I couldn't see the way, You wouldn't let me go. Even when I couldn't feel Your hand, You were holding me when I couldn't stand. [Chorus – Full Gospel Instrumentation] God kept me when I almost gave up, When life got heavy and the road got rough. Everybody sees me smiling, looking strong, But God knows how many nights I've cried alone. I was breaking where nobody could see, But the Lord kept holding on to me. I don't have it all together, But I'm still standing today. If you ask me how I made it, I can only say… God kept me. God kept me. When I almost gave up, My God kept me. [Bridge – Piano First, Then Choir Enters] I almost gave up… But I got up again. I cried all night… But I got up again. I didn't have the answers, I didn't know what was next, But somehow God kept giving me The strength to take the next step. He saw the tears I never showed, He knew the pain I never told. When everybody thought I was okay, God knew what I was carrying every day. [Choir – Call and Response] Lead: Who kept me when I was weak? Choir: GOD KEPT YOU! Lead: Who held me when I couldn't stand? Choir: GOD HELD YOU! Lead: Who saw the tears behind my smile? Choir: HE SAW EVERY ONE! Lead: And who brought me through another mile? Choir: JESUS DID! [Final Chorus – Full Choir, Powerful Lead Vocals] GOD KEPT ME WHEN I ALMOST GAVE UP! When I had no strength, He lifted me up! Everybody sees me smiling, looking strong, But God knows how many nights I've cried alone! I may still be healing, I may still be growing, But the God who kept me then Is the God who keeps me going! I survived the nights I thought would break me, Found a little strength when life got heavy! I ain't saying that my life is perfect, I'm just saying God is worth it! He kept me! He held me! He never let me go! And if you see me smiling, Now you know… GOD KNOWS WHAT I CRIED THROUGH! [Outro – Soft Piano, Spoken Word] Lord, thank You for keeping me. Even when I was tired. Even when I was hurting. Even when I almost gave up. Thank You for seeing the tears behind my smile. I'm still healing. I'm still growing. I'm still becoming the woman You called me to be. But I'm still here. And that right there… Is my testimony. God kept me. Amen.