'Twas a life filled with aimless desperation

Without hope walked the shell of a man;

But then a hand with a nailprint stretched downward

Just one touch then a new life began

And the old rugged cross made the difference

In a life bound for heartache and defeat;

I will praise Him forever and ever

For the cross made the difference for me

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger

Little faces ran in terror to hide;

But now those walls ring with love

Warmth and laughter

Since the giver of life moved inside

Now there's a room filled with sad ashen faces

Without hope death has wrapped them in gloom;

But at the side of a saint there's rejoicing

For life can't be sealed in a tomb

And the old rugged cross made the difference

In a life bound for heartache and defeat;

I will praise Him forever and ever

For the cross made the difference for me

For the cross made the difference for me