For any of you still here...I was excited to see this prompt at Mama Kat's Writer Workshop..."Tell us about your song". As a self described music junkie I could never in a million years just pick one song. I think I have an ongoing soundtrack that accompanies my life. Yet, I could pick a song that sums up how I feel exactly at this moment...on this day...in October 2011.
The song is called "Unafraid" by Amy Grant. The lyrics are so authentic and the simplicity of the music just touches my heart. I love how she focuses on her husband, then children, then finally her mom while weaving God through the tapestry of the song.
I'm at a stage in my life where fear is popping up at unexpected (and expected)moments. The fact that I'm trying to raise three teenagers while trying to look out for aging parents may have something to do with that fear.
I thought I would share three scenes from the last 24 hours of my life coordinating them with each verse.
1st verse:
My husband was off work yesterday and we spent some much needed time together. (Wink! Wink!) He made me feel beautiful with his actions and words. Enough said about that.
2nd verse:
Last night my son left to take his girlfriend home. A few minutes later I get a call from his girlfriend's phone. My immediate thought was...car accident! I said hello...my heart in my throat...and he took a moment to answer. I immediately went into "mom panic voice".
"Cam!! Are you alright?? Talk to me! What's wrong?" (Praying that there is someone out there who can relate to this so I don't feel completely crazy!) He answered, "Just wanted to let you know that my phone died. Didn't want you worrying." My heart returned to it's regular beat, and I felt foolish. In my defense though I must say that I have got the accident call before....3 times to be exact...so my fear in not totally unfounded!
Along with that comes the fear of what each of my kids are doing when they are away from the nest. Typical teenage behavior does not seem so typical when it's my own children. Couple that with the knowledge that they are still searching, questioning, and testing their wings...and yes, I'm not too proud to admit that they have not always made the best choices. Needless to say there is a little fear going on here at my end.
3rd verse:
Went to visit my mom and dad this morning. Just a drop in visit which are the best! As I sat and watched my mom's hand tremble while she sipped her coffee, then struggle to get dressed, I realized that she is aging every day, and it is very evident now. My dad then came home and mentioned that he had fallen in the restaurant parking lot where he meets his buddies each day. Once again...my heart is in my throat. Feelings of protectiveness, love, and longing for the days when they were strong and their footsteps sure rose within me. It was extra hard to say good-bye to them this morning.
Among all of these small, everyday events I know that God is woven.
His words come out of my husbands mouth...
His watchful eyes are on my children...
His strong hands are there to help lead my parents through this last season of their lives...
and when I take the time to ask Him, to invite Him into my day,
His love can make me unafraid.
This song is mine today...and I claim it. Hope you enjoy
UNAFRAID
(Amy Grant/Wayne Kirkpatrick)
Woke up this morning
with you in our bed
going over and over
everything you said
Who taught you how to speak
the words that you say
I've always wanted to
be talked to that way
Love has made
has made you unafraid
Watching my children
finding their way
thru struggles and triumphs
and heartbreak
I hope the roads they take
Are making them strong
I'll still be on my knees
Long after they're gone
Love has made
Love has made
Love has made
Has made me unafraid
My lovely mother
Is getting on in years
And the way her body's aging
brings her girls to tears
The way she trembles with
each effort she makes
She just says Heaven's
getting closer each day
Love has made
Love has made
Love has made
Has made her unafraid
Love could make
Love can make
Love will make
Make you unafraid…
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 john 4:18
ReplyDeleteYour post and the song made me think of this scripture. I long to settle in that perfect love that is ALWAYS available and able to cast out our fears. On the teenage thing, I'll just say that part of it is helping them learn to accept themselves as they make wrong choices, learn from them and move forward...cause everyone blows it along the way. I think, sometimes, we are so intent on our kids not tripping up, that we loose the opportunity to teach them how to recover when they do. My son (21) was treated with grace this past week (by school authorities) and we had a great talk about how his response to this grace will show his character...and that of those around him caught up in the same situation...any how - long comment! Love the song, love amy grant, and really relate to all you're sharing!
Isn't fear paralyzing?!? So glad that you know the truth of God's presence and can rest there. And let your loved ones rest there, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Snapshots, too! :)
This is a lovely post about music and our soundtracks. The words to Amy Grants song are right on. Thank you for visiting
ReplyDeleteI love this. Love the song. Love your take on the song. Pop over and listen to mine - I bet you love it too. It seems our hearts were beating the same beat this week. Kristen @ www.alittlesomethingforme.com
ReplyDeleteAh, this post and this song brought tears to my eyes. I can totally relate to the phone call fear. Fear is debilitating and I can only hope that love will make me unafraid.
ReplyDeleteI have had those accident call moments, you are not alone!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching post. The song is beautiful and inspiring. I find that when I put all my trust in God, everything will work out. With God, there is nothing to fear. I too, take care of my parents. Everyday with them is a blessing.
ReplyDelete