I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

• The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
• Prayer for safe travel.
• Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
• Joy and presence in each moment.

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

“Cry Out to Jesus” – Musical Musings in March

The song I share with you today was helpful during a difficult period just a few years ago. At times the pain seems just as fresh as it was three years ago. At other times, it feels like it’s been an eternity. However, whatever I’m feeling, I know that Jesus is right there with me.

Three years ago today marks the day I said goodbye to my precious grandson Archer. Today’s post is in memory of him.

Life had been thrown into turmoil. 19 days earlier, my twin grandsons arrived prematurely. While they were very small, Archer and Percy were doing well. Each day passed with great improvement and we were very optimistic that all would be fine.

Archer got an infection. One the doctors called a “super bug.” His little body just couldn’t fight any longer and all too quickly, he left us behind.

In the days that followed, I was only certain of one thing. That Jesus would be my tower of strength, that His would be the everlasting arms that would uphold me, and that His peace and understanding would be all that I could comprehend.

I wrote these words to share my thoughts after Archer’s death:

“God will lead and guide us through the times ahead. He must be our compass, for we know not where we’re headed. He must be our focus, for we know not what we’re looking for. He must be our strength, for our own strength is greatly diminished. He must be our victory, for we failed to win this battle. He must be our everything, for without Him we are nothing.”

I’ve held out these words when I was lost or confused. I’ve lifted my hands to seek Jesus’ face in the midst of my sorrow. I’ve drawn great strength to put one foot in front of the other as I’ve needed it. And above all, I’ve held to the victory that I find in Him.

Of course there are a few songs that were very special during this time. Today’s melody is one of them.

“Cry Out to Jesus” touched my heart. The very first section said it all. Yes, I had lost someone very dear, long before his time and the days simply weren’t enough. And in Archer’s case it was days. But God doesn’t leave us in our time of sorrow. He asks that we draw near to Him. As we draw near to Him, He comes closer to us (James 4:8).

We read in Scripture that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). If you are in a situation where you have been crushed in spirit or are brokenhearted, draw near to God. He would love nothing more than to be your compass. To be your strength. To be your focus. To be your victory. To be your everything.

So today, I share with you my thoughts on Archer and the song “Cry Out to Jesus.” The words are below as well as a link to listen to this song as recorded by Third Day. Today just may be the day you need to cry out to Him.

“Cry Out to Jesus”

To everyone who’s lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there’s nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

Chorus:

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that’s struggling just to hang on
They’ve lost all of their faith in love
They’ve done all they can to make it right again
Still it’s not enough

For the ones who can’t break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you’re not alone in your shame
And your suffering

(Chorus)

When you’re lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight[i]

(Chorus)

Click here to listen to this comforting song.

Without Jesus and my trust and faith in Him, I would have crumbled through this difficult time. Oh, there are times my heart cries out and aches beyond expression, but I know to Whom I can cry out. I know Who has carried me through. I know Who I believe. My Precious Jesus.

In loving memory of Archer Thurmon Storm

February 22, 2011 – March 13, 2011

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “Cry Out to Jesus,” Words and Music by Mac Powell, Recorded by Third Day, Consuming Fire Music, 2005.