Sunday, August 2, 2009

Room to Grow

Because He Lives
Words and music by William J. Gaither© 1971
Matthew 28:6
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
(Chorus)
And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
(Chorus)
This hymn was sung at church today. It seemed as if the words spoke directly to us about our son. Another message this morning was about sharing your "scars" with others. About letting others in to feel your doubts, pains, sorrows, uncertainty about life, faith, or anything else that troubles you. The power of the words from the person you let in, "me too" just may be what you both need. This is a good example as to why I will continue to write. I have heard from many who read my blog "me too". I hope that we can continue to help each other through this difficult time and any times to come. I have been given an assurance I didn't know I could feel in this lifetime. I am ready and eager to share it with any who will listen. This seed that has been planted within me is deep. I hope that my own spiritual growth can extend to others who will continue to read.
For this person, it already has.
The Hawns

6 comments:

Stefany said...

Your undying faith despite all that you have gone though has affected me deeply. I have written about it on my blog because I felt the need to get it out as well. You are a true inspiration to me in my questions and faltering in my faith.

Anonymous said...

keep writing Jen! Your writing and your faith inspires us all!

Aunt Kelly

Anonymous said...

Continue to shine the light that is within you - it will illuminate your dark places and that of others. I love that old hymn!
Jennifer

Kristi_Zehr said...

I wanted to share with you some of the comments I have received on my facebook page on which I copied and posted the post titled "Perfect". You are inspiring so many people with your Faith and strength, I want you to see this so I will copy and paste them here for you.

Sheryl Smith Downey
I am so sorry and heartbroken for the loss of beautiful baby boy Ryan. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Jennifer Wendorf
What a beautiful story and a true story of God's glory. Sweet little baby...

Lil Dolph D
Ive been following up on this story ever since he was born, it is so sad, came across this morning.

Dianne Womack
My heart aches for you. God has blessed you with this perfect angel and His purpose on this earth is finished. Keep that beautiful smile in your heart it was his last gift to you, his mommy. My prayers are with you and your family. God be with you.

Jenni Oakes Sinkiewicz
Wow, very sad. I'm so sorry for that family

Tanya Oakes Baird
Tears. She is so strong. I really don't think I could keep it together like she did if anything happened to Emma. Her faith in God is amazing. Please let them know I am thinking of them. She is inspiring!

Jen and Chris please know that even though I have never met you I think of you as friends and my heart is with you. I have shared your blog with friends on facebook and they are sending their love to you too! This is a small world when you think about it and we are all family, His Family!!

Kristi Zehr

Rita W said...

I wish I had the comforting faith that you both have....I know it will help you much in the days and months to come.

Still sending love your way.

Lindsay Faust said...

Every year at Christmas, each individual in Steve's family gives a gift to Jesus. Some have read stories, some have played music. Last year Steve made a picture that had Aaron and Natalie on it, with a cross and a line from this hymn

This child can face uncertain days because He lives!

Hold tight to His truth!!!