I was reminded today, reading blog posts, that not everyone is celebrating something fun, exciting and wonderful. Some are grieving and remembering a last year that has been filled with pain and sadness. My heart goes out to those living in the valley.
I am not sure what I can do to help. Sometimes there are no words to share…..nothing one can do to ease the hurt. I think at those times a hug, an acknowledgement that we don’t have the answers, and a big sigh might be all we can offer….and it will be enough.
The song that I posted above is one of my all time favorites. The first time I heard it was at a Christian Women’s Retreat at Inspiration Hills. It stuck in my head and took root in my heart.
The words are amazing and provide a wonderful sense of hope. They give strength to get through the tough times because of the hope of what is to come. There is great hope in the promise of eternal life.
The story behind this song is as follows:
“I lost one of my best friends over the weekend, to cancer. Pastor Mark Steele was a man who absolutely poured his life into loving God and shepherding people. We will miss him beyond words. Corinne’s and my heart are with his family and his church. I’m posting this lyric from a song I wrote years ago, as a tribute to Mark, as he moves from life to Life, and as a reminder to all of us of the hope we can hold.” ~ Greg Ferguson (author of this song)
what a day it will be
what a day it’s gonna be
when as last your captive heart beats free
and all that is within you sings
in heaven’s own harmony
sweet release from all your darkest fears
the sound of laughter that’s been lost for years
you’ll never cry another lonely tear
as your sad heart finally
finally sings
hallelujah
what a day it will be
all those angels that you’ve never seen
watching over you behind the scenes
will at last have reached their goal
presenting you restored and whole
just watch the Father laugh and smile
lifting up His joyful child
and hear the host of heaven sing
in a sweet and soulful angel choir singing
hallelujah
even now in the in between
we could write it off as an impossible dream
but it’s more than a dream to me
’cause even now i can see
enough to believe
So for those of you who are finding life to be a tough place to be. May you be comforted by the lyrics. May you feel the grace of the Father as He places His arms around you and may there be friends and family who will be Jesus “with skin on” to you” this weekend.
For those of us who have been celebrating. May we open our eyes to those around us. May we open our arms to those who need that hug and may we be a blessing to someone who needs to feel blessed.
Your life is made up of two dates and a dash.
Make the most of the dash.
Unknown
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Lovely words for f encouragement as usual❤️
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Thank you so much. I had just been reading blog posts and there is a world of hurt out there.
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Yes there is. That’s why you and I have to spread some joy❤️
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Dear Faye
Thank you for this very considerate post. Some of us have gone through very troubled times this year. I am one of them.
But I can truly say now
” Even though I go through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art me”.
Susie
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You are such a witness to me and so many Susie! Keep posting as you “fight the good fight”! And I will keep praying for you.
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What a small world that you posted this. We go to Willow Creek Community Church where Greg Ferguson was one of the key vocalists quite a few years ago. My husband was roommates with Mark Steele and he was one of the groomsmen for our wedding. We know his wife, but have lost touch. She had sent us a letter to let us know of Mark’s passing. We were stunned. Thanks for sharing and reminding me that there is a God who sees our pain and is willing to carry our burdens.
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I first heard this song when a speaker at the retreat finished her talk using it. She had been through the death of a child and this song totally brought her faith journey home for all of us.
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Perfect.
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I love the lyrics on this song! Such hope.
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Loss is so awful for those left-we know they are fine now-more than ever, but oh how we miss them. Then the ones in the midst of a battle.. .my heart just breaks, thinking about them. Oh to be compassionate for all.
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It is so hard for those left.
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Beautiful.
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Thank you Cobs. I love the song as well.
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Such comfort, thank you 💕
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You are so welcome Samantha.
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