My family tree is broad and wide
Where all the in-laws too may hide;

If there we see by any chance
A rotten limb or broken branch

More need there is for others strong
With verdure hale to hide the wrong:

All thus may follow Jesus side
And in the Father tree abide.

Just so I’m thankful for the shade
That Father tree for me has made,

So tough and wormy, full of knots,
The other branches shade me lots;

T’is vital then to all, you see,
To live our lives, from evil free,

That others who have ugly frame
may feel secure to own the name;

Then spirits may be filled with sap
And healthy foliage gaily flap;

And stand up straight upon that shore
As Jordan’s river they pass o’re.