This song is for all the prodigals. My favorite story in the bible is the one of the prodigal son. I have been a prodigal many times in my life and in a way I still am. On my journal page there will soon be an entry entitled "Red Carpet For The Barefoot Son." It's a great story about my then 6 year old son Austin. God taught me so much about his unconditional love through this story. You can check it out at the Journal page.


Like a freight train running
Out of control till there's a crash
I know he needs to learn the hard way
Push the envelope
As far as it can go
I know he needs to learn the hard way

Sometimes pain brings relief
Sometimes the bottom
Is the only way to find peace

Roll out the red carpet
He's there in the distance running
To his Father's arms
Bring out the best linen
Put food on the table
My son who was lost is running home
Roll out the red carpet

Just when I thought I'd had it kicked
I'm face to face with this old sin
But it looks good from where i'm standing
Packed my bags
Back on the run
Is there a cave where I can hide in

And now the craving's come and gone
What I needed has left me so all alone

I wrote this song in about 15 minutes from start to finish. It is a very simple song and simply written as a worship song. When AOF recorded our Embrace CD Mac Powell from Third Day sang a duet with me on it. It was our first single from that record and also became our first and only #1 single. At one time it was this song at the top followed by DC Talk, Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, and Annointed. We were in very good company. This song helped change a lot of things for us on the road. Even though it only stayed in the top 10 for about 6 weeks it was a very good 6 weeks! And it also goes to show that a simple song can be very powerful and can also be used very mightily!


At the foot of the cross
I lay down my past
At the foot of the cross
Is where I find forgiveness
And this cross I know
I have all I need
This cross I believe
Is the love of Jesus

When my eyes see God
I see who i really am
When my eyes see God
I see the grace by which i stand
And no eye has seen
No ear has heard
No mind concieves
All the love of Jesus

And I believe there's hope
For every soul
I believe there's hope
For every soul