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4/11/2008

redemption friday



Redemption is often (but not always) quick. Dramatic - it's a rescue, after all. This is the case on my emotional roller coaster, anyway. Just last night, my mood was a foul one. I lamented to Johnny, "I am sick and tired of feeling sick. I am miserable." Sniff. I just didn't think I could go on, you know? I even questioned God, though I should know better after reading Job's tale.

Today is a different story, thank goodness. Sunshine is helping this time around. I feel a little strength, like I can go on, and some hope. I find myself resting under the shadow of His wings instead of hurling exasperation and inquiries. I filled the tea press w/vanilla green. I read my morning Psalm ~ check this verse:

"The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass."
[Psalm 118:15]

And, I recalled a song I listened to last night, putrid mood and all. I went ahead and purchased Kelley McRae's entire album - Never Be (only $2.70 right now). I should mention here that I dig Amie Street's pricing concept:

"Songs start at a price of zero cents, and as more people buy a song the price rises but never goes above $0.98.

The price of a song will help guide you to new music. Whether you love discovering a new band before any of your friends or you want to find the hottest new artists buzzing on Amie Street, a song's price will let you know it's popularity on Amie Street
."

Back to the song .... One thing I do know about my health adventure is that a breaking is in the works. And grace, which I'm very fond of - both the theology and the very word. So, besides Kelley McRae's great song, "Johnny Cash" (which I can't get out of my head), she also wrote a beautiful hymn, adorned only by a quiet piano. I am my Papaw's granddaughter, so I love a good, old hymn. In this case, a new hymn - "Break Us":



"As I sit in the stillness
of the darkest night
And I listen
to the thoughts of my heart,
This heart that is broken
and the wounds that reopen
Oh, break it
by the power of Your grace

Break us, by the power
of Your grace, Oh Lord
Won't You break us,
by the power of Your grace
Break us, remake us,
don't let the sorrow take us
Oh, break us,
by the power of Your grace

When I stand in the presence
of a Holy God
and I flee
and I cover my face,
This heart, hard with shame
yet You still call my name
Will You break me
by the power of Your grace

Break us, by the power
of Your grace, Oh Lord
Won't You break us,
by the power of Your grace
Break us, remake us,
don't let the sorrow take us
Oh, break us,
by the power of Your grace

When I leave this world
and I'm homeward bound
to a Heaven and Earth that's remade
This world full of sorrow
will be glory tomorrow
He'll remake it
by the power of His grace

Break us, by the power
of Your grace, Oh Lord
Won't You break us,
by the power of Your grace
Break us, remake us,
don't let the sorrow take us
Oh, break us,
by the power of Your grace
"

[photo courtesy of Kelley McRae]

3 comments:

Alissa Wilkinson said...

Not surprisingly, we are big Kelley fans. We don't know her well but a lot of our friends do, and we do circulate in the same general social sphere here in le Big City. She's great.

You should check out Susan Enan, too . . .

jenni said...

I was thinking you like Kelley, too.

Oh man, Susan Enan's voice is gorgeous. I purchased the one song from Amie Street; now trying to be patient for her upcoming album.
:)

Phil said...

It is a beautiful song, thinking of it for a memorial service for my father.