I went to see The Newsboys and Mercy Me with my sisters and my nieces and nephew. It is such a moving moment when I see their hands raised praising God. It is a mixture of emotions as tears flowed when the song's lyrics spoke of healing from emotional bondage like depression. Tears again of joy and missing our dad when traditional hymnals were belted out. The song “I Can Only Imagine” was played at our dad’s funeral. It also played when our dear friend passed. It is a simple but powerful song. What will you do when this earthly world ends and you stand in front of Jesus?
Both bands stated they have been performing for 30 years. Where in the world did 30 years go? It is true that life passes like the sand in an hourglass. I am watching the next generation of my family in their early 20’s and when I think back to when I was 20 I was such a hot mess. I do think I see myself and my sisters want life to be easier for our kids and not experience the hardships we could have avoided if we had listened to sound advice like our dad tried to give. My prayer is that these young people will listen and learn from our mistakes. A lot can happen in 30 years. A lot of anger and bitterness can set in a family with no outlet. Wrong doings are not dealt with so unforgiveness takes hold of hearts. I wonder how we will hold our family together when my mom is gone. We all move around her so all I can see is that there will be a coming to Jesus moment when she is no longer here. I think when a family doesn’t face truths and allow forgiveness to replace that dark cloudy storm that hovers waiting to erupt.
Looking back on your own life and family, my prayer that yours will be much easier to bring together in some sense of harmony. Colossians chapter 3 is a great reference on “living as those made alive by Christ.”
“Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colosians 3: 6-10).
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3: 13-14).
The concert ended with a song that was so silly, but what a way to end a concert. “The Happy Dance.” A whole stadium erupts in awkward dance moves. Colossians 3 ends with the same attitude. Sing to God with gratitude. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share time with my family in a way that edifies the soul.
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossian 3: 16).
Get ready to rejoice with these lyrics:
Let me see, those hands
If the good Lord saved ya
Get up, get down
'Cause He done changed ya
Let me see, those hands
If the good Lord saved ya
Get up, get down
'Cause He done changed ya
Prayers for you and your family find the path that leads you all to Christ and what He has done on the cross for you. Be remade anew.
dreamsdontfade.com (learn a bit about the Beatitudes this week)
DDF site (updated so stay informed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I32vblmQ714
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