Sunday, January 27, 2008

Joy Thru My Teardrops

I just walked in moments ago to find out that Tristan Hostetter has gone home to heaven. This beautiful little boy shone for Jesus for 8 amazing weeks before he was called home this afternoon. He was born just days after Poppy, and I have prayed for him and his family every day since. Even though our story was not the same as the Hostetter’s, I have watched with so much joy as I have seen Yvette, Trayc, Tanner and Tayden love this special baby with everything in them. I am so grateful to God that He chose to give them this time, yet now they need our prayers intensely as they walk forward into the grief of not having him with them.

There is something that I have wanted to share for quite a while, and as soon as I heard this news, God impressed upon my heart that the time is now. This poem has a special place in my heart. My mom, who I look up to as one of my greatest heroes, wrote this out of the deepest heartache of her life. The words are for anyone grieving, hurting, and desperately needing to be held by Jesus. It was written to be sung to the music of “A Few of My Favorite Things.” Tonight, this is my prayer for sweet Yvette and the many others who are lifting up their broken hearts to Jesus. I hope the words bless you.

Joy thru my teardrops, and gains thru my losses
Beauty for ashes, and crowns for my crosses;
He binds my wounds, and He dries all my tears
Calms every storm and He conquers my fears.

He gives me hinds’ feet to walk on high places,
He floods my soul with His heavenly graces;
When I am weak then His strength makes me strong
I know I can trust Him, He’s never been wrong.

Trials may come and temptations assail me
Though I may falter, He never will fail me;
So Satan I bind you in His holy name
For at the cross Jesus’ blood overcame!

When the doubt comes, when I’m lonely
When my heart is sad;
I’ll lift up mine eyes to my Savior above
And Jesus will make me glad.

When in my heart there is sadness and sorrow
Jesus has promised a brighter tomorrow;
Victory is mine, yes, it’s already won
I’ve only to claim it by faith in God’s Son.

All of my cares I will cast down before Him
Even in trials my heart will adore Him;
He bears my burdens, He comforts my soul
Oh why should I worry when He’s in control?

Lord in the time of deep grief and emotion
I will yet serve You with constant devotion;
You have not failed me one step of the way
That is the reason I’ll trust You and say:

I will praise You! I will praise You!
Jesus Christ my King;
For You fill my heart with a song in the night
Yes, You make my heart to sing!

21 comments:

vim+dash said...

oh, angie, this is so beautiful. what a precious, precious word from your mom.

i think of you guys every single day and wonder how you are doing. i miss talking. i'll try to call soon.

love,
b.

Emily said...

amen. amen and amen and amen.

Chrissy said...

Thank you for sharing such heart touching words. Absolutely perfect!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Thinking of you as I read the news today. My heart is heavy for their loss. Your mom wrote such precious words from her loss. Thank you for sharing it.
Praying for you each day as you move forward and praying for the baby God has for you.:)

Love you, Laurie in Ca.

Mandy said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem. I am praying too!

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Jesse said...

What a touching song! I actually just "sang" it out loud, and it is absolutely perfect.

KrazyMom said...

What an absolutely beautiful song! Thank you so much for sharing!

Jen in Al said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! thank you so much for sharing this. i sang it as i read it. What a wise, wise Mom you have! thank you!
jen in al

So Blessed said...

What a blessing your mom is. Please tell her how touched I am by her beautiful words...what a precious gift. Thank you for sharing it. My prayers continue for you and all of the families who have experienced such deep losses. May God continue to uphold you with His mighty hand.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is ANOINTED! Get it published!

What encouraging words to anyone who is going through a valley.

Continuing to pray for you guys ...

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of Kenzie & Dusty's. Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful poem your mom wrote. I will continue to pray for your family & thank you for sharing with so many unknown others the persuit of living life out for Christ. His grace is sufficent, and in our weakness we may give Christ the glory.
Beccy in Knoxville

Anonymous said...

I have one "healthy" son who is 11. My angel went to God at 13 months of life due to Turner syndrome and a heart defect aht went along with that. I went on to have 3 miscarriages and one ectopic pregnacy. Then adopted a beautiful baby girl at birth (domestic adoption). I will be praying for you as you explore this journey. I have read all your entries and Poppy is a lucky girl to call you mom and dad

Tina
pugsley73@cableone.net

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Dear Angie,
This is such a beautiful poem. I have had a hard time praying the last few days - except the ones I have "had" to say in front of my girls. I am actually looking forward to singing these sweet words to them tonight. Thank you for sharing this - I needed it desperately which I am sure God knew.
Love,
Kim

Elizabeth Bradley said...

beautiful words of truth... thanks for sharing.

Julie said...

That was beautiful. I was singing it in my mind as I read it. Thanks for sharing it.

Mrs. D said...

Thank you so much for sharing this poem. It spoke to me so much right now.
Praying for Tristan's family and for you!

TN Lizzie said...

Angie,
Your Mom is so dear ~ What clear word pictures set to such a beautiful tune. Does this have a title? Thank you (and thanks, God) for sharing these wise words with us!

So Blessed said...

Praying for you...

Anonymous said...

I heard this poem today on Love Worth Finding - - Adrian Rogers said his daughter wrote it when she was in the 12th grade. Are you his granddaughter? If so, what a godly heritage you have! I shared it today with a young woman whose 4 month old died of SIDS last month and I'm sure it was a blessing to her and her husband, too.

Anonymous said...

I've heard this poem before. I was listening to a pastor - Dr. Adrian Rogers and in one of his messages he read this poem and said that his daughter wrote it when she was in the 12th grade. It has spoken to me since I first heard it. It is beautiful!

Jannai said...

loved seeing this song - I have it on my wall with the authors name as Janice Rogers Emington….