Life in Death

Yesterday was an incredibly heavy day.  The burdens of "normal" life on top of the burden of our grief can seem crushing at times.  As we sat at the kitchen table yesterday to share a meal I literally felt like it took effort to breathe; and at the same time I realized the sound of my husband's breaths.  Long. Labored. Loud.

I knew the Gathering Network was having an all worship service at 5:00 and I just sensed this would be a good thing for us to do as a family.  I didn't feel like it, but we went.  We needed more of God's presence and I knew this act of worhsip would bring us before him in a way we needed.   If you don't know about the Gathering Network you can see more about who they are here.  What I CAN tell you about them is that they are a people who are trying to set wrong things right in our world, and they LOVE JESUS with their whole hearts.  It is obvious when you are with them.  When you speak with them, worhsip with them, pray with them, play with them ...... the Spirit of God leaks out of them. 

Like a Father does, He poured out his love on Dave and I in tender and merciful ways as we came to him last night.  As we stood and sang (reluctantly at times) of his promises we felt released ....  released from the heaviness that we wore as we walked into that building.  Our circumstances did not change, and still haven't, but smiles and joy emerged over those 2 hours.  We watched our girls dance and sing and get loved on by some amazing young ladies, Claire and Kim.  A pastor and friend pulled up a chair to sit next to Dave.  He was intentional about just being near us.  In a time of prayer, people, some of whom we've never met,  came over and prayed for us.   This community is extended family to us and the love we felt and received from them was beautiful.  It's just another way God is using an army to care for us in this season.  More on that in my next post....... our army, and all its troops ....... oh, don't even get me started :).  I can't wait to share.

Jon Shirley, who led the evening, just released an album called THE DESERT BLOOMS.  It has been water to my thirsty soul over the last 2 weeks.   He has a song titled "Life in Death" that has meant so much to me.  I hope you will listen here.   I hope that it brings life to you.

These are some of the lyrics from this song that I have been shouting out and clinging to.  Thank you Jon Shirley......

Though suffering may come
I will lift up my hands          

And shout from my lungs                   

That You’re all that I have

And I’ll lift my hands and worship you

You’ve been my life in death

And I’ll stand and sing of your faithfulness

You’ve been my life in death  

And Lord though the mountains fall
And the world fades away 

You will still remain
To be my life in death

I exalt you now
Because you're God
And I'm not

 

Because your God and I'm not ......