Somewhere around my mom's birthday or her cardiac ablation, when life was especially tedious, I gifted us identical jewelry with a card enclosure that read:
"When asked 'how are you?' it's easy to say 'fine.' But really? We aren't fine. Sometimes we are just waiting for God to make His presence felt, to direct our paths, to heal our hurts. We aren't fine, but it is well with our soul. We say 'O Lord, in You I have found a safe place' (Ps. 31:1). Be firm in faith, despite the pain in life and you will discover a God who brings peace and joy in the strangest of places."
Mom wore that pendant frequently, and when people asked, "How are you?" she would show them the pendant--often she couldn't muster the words. In April (a year after the 6 month prognosis), we attended a retreat, where she praised with all she had to It is Well--took home of copy of the lyrics that still grace her quiet time place.
"Far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can't see
And this mountain that's in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea"
In June, Mom's Celebration of Life had been finalized and was less than 24 hours away, when I came across notes that she wanted It Is Well included in her service. I knew the significant power of that phrase in her life, but there was nothing I could do.
"So let go my soul and trust in him,
the waves and wind still know his name."
Moments later, I got a call from the young man putting together a video montage, "There are so many pictures--is there another song you want to use?" That's how God takes care of things.
Tonight I get to hear Bethel Music live...in my hometown...just blocks from my house...at the school where I teach (how's God for working that one out). I'll be wearing my pendant, and if Kristene DiMarco sings It is Well, I'll probably cry--who am I kidding I've already set out the waterproof mascara, because if she doesn't sing it I'll cry too.