I realized not too long ago that another one of my earliest memories took place on that same back step, and again, I was pouring out my heart, but this time it wasn’t to Roscoe (though I’m sure he was nearby.)
This time I remember looking up at the sky and talking to God.
I’ve tried to recall, without success, what the content of that prayer was, but it’s not a stretch to imagine it was very similar to my talk with Roscoe, but that really doesn’t matter – what I realized with that memory is that I’ve had an awareness of God quite literally all of my life, and not only an awareness, but a relationship……
I don’t know why God became so real to me at such an early age, but I am so very thankful. The two of us weathered many tough childhood and teenage storms together, and I learned to trust Him completely.
I often didn’t understand why things happened, but my belief that God was with
Always.
If my childhood was dotted with storms, the last several years have been a combination of hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes & earthquakes! And I have had a choice to make – as we all do – whether or not to continue to believe that God is truly “faithful forever.” So, it’s with that in mind that I share this song by Chris Tomlin:
“I lift my hands to believe again, you are my refuge, you are my strength. As I pour out my heart, these things I remember….
you are faithful God, forever.”
I wish I could give my four year old self a great big hug, and thank her for being dramatic enough to believe God would hear her heart’s cry from the back step! I think God knew….so long ago….that I would need a rock-solid faith to see me through the dark days to come.
There are still so many things I don’t understand, and I am beginning to think I just never will, but love, mercy, purpose….these are renewed day by day.
He is the Healer, you know.…I hope you can take a moment to be still and let that truth wash over you.
In God’s steadfast love,
Shellie ♥
I Lift My Hands
Chris Tomlin
Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak
Let faith arise
Let faith ariseI lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, foreverBe still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary’s tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me
So let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
And I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise
Let faith arise