Title: “Grow Me Through” (Soft piano… slow, spacious chords… background hums building like a choir warming up) Scripture (spoken softly over piano): "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." — Proverbs 31:25 (Gentle pause. Piano continues.) Verse 1 (soft, storytelling – tender tone) She was only thirteen, When the world said, “Baby, be strong.” Mama working two jobs, Daddy already gone. Homework by the kitchen light, Tears falling in between lines, She learned how to say “I’m fine” Before she learned her own mind. Friends outside playing free, She was rocking a baby to sleep, Praying quietly on her knees, Promises she’d keep. She traded dolls for responsibility, Smiles for survival mode, But deep inside that little girl Still believed in love untold. Pre-Chorus (build begins, background vocals humming) Every scar taught her grace, Every loss showed her strength, She fell… but she didn’t break. No, she didn’t break. Chorus (fuller vocals, gospel influence, harmonies swelling) She said, “One day love gon’ find me, See the queen inside me. Hold my mind, body, soul — Never try to hide me.” Through the good and the bad, Through the joy and the sad, I don’t need perfect hands, Just a heart that understands. I been strong for so long, But I still believe… There’s a forever love That was made for me. (Choir echoes softly: “Made for me… made for me…”) Verse 2 (more rhythm, light drums enter – soulful, Joss Stone-inspired phrasing) First love came like summer rain, Sweet… then it slipped away. She learned that hearts can change, Even when they say they’ll stay. She cried but she graduated, Caps thrown high in the air. No one sitting in her section, But heaven saw her there. Scholarships and sleepless nights, Degrees earned all alone. She built her own foundation Out of broken stones. They only saw her confidence, Not the nights she fought despair, But every time she lost something — God met her there. Pre-Chorus (stronger build, choir responding) Every “no” made her wise, Every tear baptized her faith, She bent… but she didn’t break. No, she didn’t break. Chorus (bigger, layered harmonies) She said, “One day love gon’ find me, See the queen inside me. Hold my mind, body, soul — Never try to hide me.” Through the good and the bad, Through the joy and the sad, I don’t need perfect hands, Just a heart that understands. I been strong for so long, But I still believe… There’s a forever love That was made for me. Bridge (gospel lift – Kirk Franklin energy, choir call & response) (Lead) I don’t want a temporary flame — (Choir) No more almost love! (Lead) I don’t want somebody half-way — (Choir) I had enough, enough! (Lead) I want a love that prays with me — (Choir) Stays with me! (Lead) Grows old and never walks away — (Choir) Through every season, every day! (Lead – passionate) Love that sees my intellect, Respects my grind and my silhouette, Knows my past but don’t neglect The woman I am becoming yet! (Choir swell) She’s worthy! She’s ready! She’s healing! She’s steady! Breakdown (music drops back to piano, intimate tone) Little girl, you did alright… You survived every fight. And you don’t have to be strong tonight. Love is coming. Love is kind. Love will honor your heart and mind. Final Chorus (big finish, choir full, drums strong) One day love gon’ find her, See the light behind her. Hold her mind, body, soul — Never stand behind her. Through the good and the bad, Through the joy and the sad, He’ll say “Baby, I’m here — You ain’t gotta carry that.” She been strong for so long, Now she can finally breathe… ’Cause that forever love Finally found… Her. (Choir holds a long sustained “Her…” as piano gently fades out.)