I Will Rise...

I've been thinking a lot about my mother today, as I do every day, but today imparticular since it's now been two weeks since her passing.  Someone asked me how I was doing, and the best way I know to describe it is that I'm sad, but not crying anymore.  I'll call that progress!  We're all working through this process of greiving in our own way.  I have taken great comfort in remembering the different ways God has been gracious to me through all of this.

As I was thinking about Mom while driving home from school with the kids today, I flipped on the radio and "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin was playing.  Ok, I'll admit that I did cry a little despite my statement above!  I couldn't help it!  When we were planning Mom's funeral, her sister Laurie let us know that Mom loved this song and would play it on her iPad all the time. It brought her great peace and comfort, and reminded her of her future hope.  Laurie suggested that we have it played at the service, we all agreed, and some wonderful musicians at Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone performed it beautifully.

Well, in the days that followed while we were all at the house, we began the process of cleaning up and going through Mom's belongings. Jamie and I were looking through her bedside table, which held her Bible and lots of random things. We came across a journal that I know Mom's neighbor and friend, Wendy Jesson, had given her.  My mother was not a writer, and as far as I knew, never kept a journal. I fully expected it to be empty, but lo and behold, two pages were filled with Mom's distinct handwriting.  The first page was covered with scriptures she had written out. On the second page, she had written out the words to "I Will Rise."  Jamie and I were still in the cry-at-the-drop-of-a-hat stage of grief, and we did just that.  I knew at that moment how much that song had encouraged her, and that there could not have been a more fitting song sung at her funeral.  I think you'll understand why she loved it so much when you read the lyrics below:

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise...  I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise...I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise...I will rise