Thursday, June 11, 2009

Storms


This photo was taken on June 13, 2004. The day after my world was shaken. For over three years, my Aunt Sharon valiantly fought the beast called lung cancer. Five years ago today, the beast won the battle. This storm seemed to match my mood...the overwhelming sadness that was left, the overcoming power of God in the midst of tragedy, and the complete peace that washed over my soul as I realized there was nothing I could do to stop the storm and God's plan for our family's life.

"Sometimes He Calms the Storm"


All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered, "peace be still"
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered, "peace be still"
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

The battle was lost, but the beast did not win the war. Jesus has conquered death, and so I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my aunt is dancing in His presence. If you knew Aunt Sharon, you'd know what a funny picture that is to have in my head. But she knew the joy of Christ's forgiveness, and I can imagine no other expression of that joy in His presence than to dance before Him.

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)


Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Goodbye, Aunt Sharon...I still miss you incredibly every day and can't wait to dance with you before our Savior.

No comments: