I'm going through…

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I don't think I write about my daddy much (I'll have to check; maybe I do. ) His ministry informs my writing, and certainly my approach to God. It was he that made me a seeker, teaching me that God and His Word were up to my questioning. That a belief I couldn't test wasn't worth giving my life over to…(but that is something I will write about another day).

while there may be fear and tears,
according to my dad, we do not
weep like those who have no hope.
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One of my dad's favorite hymns was "I'm Going Through" by Herbert Buffam. I close my eyes and can see and hear him singing it in my memory. I was chatting online with a girlfriend today about the storm. It was an interesting progression. We began by lamenting the slow moving nature of the storm; this friend is one who has braved hurricanes, tornados,  and tropical storms. She is also a member of the liturgical dance ensemble I've danced in for nearly 10 years, and we have danced (prayed) to and through great joys and great sorrows. (yeah, she was with me when I danced my prayers last week) 

We then moved to the practical considerations, falling trees, the potential for damage to property (they just did a major renovation on their beautiful home), and finally to whether or not we'd lose power. We experienced Hurricane Irene last year, and were both fortunate to not lost power and suffer only minimal damage.

We next moved to encouragement. Never did we discuss not dealing with the storm. It was always when, whether, and how. We started trading Psalms. Me, the 34th, her 16, particularly 16:8…

                I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 

I was again reminded, that while we might experience fear, we do not experience it alone. He is at our right hand. He is with us wherever we go. And, with a smile and a nod to my dad, I am not worried. There will be storms, but I'm going through. And while there may be fear and tears, according to my dad, we do not weep like those who have no hope. So, going through with the Almighty at our right hand, I am not confused this journey with the destination to which He is leading me.   As the saying goes, " Just because it’s stormy now doesn’t mean you aren’t headed for sunshine."  And the notion of sunshine, as Hurricane Sandy's winds and rains beat down upon us, is today's reminder that God is Good.  

On Tuesdays, I pray and and play with friends here...

Just Write @ Extraordinary Ordinary

Cornerstone Confessions
Becoming a Strong Woman of God

Time-Warp Wife 

A Pause on the Path 

Mercy Ink 

1. I'm Going Through
2. by Herbert Buffam
3. arranged by Thoro Harris 1914
4. 
   
5. Lord, I have started to walk in the light
   That shines on my pathway so clearly, so bright;
   I’ve bade the world and its follies adieu,
   And now with my Savior I mean to go through.
   • Refrain:
     I’m going through, I’m going through,
     I’ll pay the price, whatever others do;
     I’ll take the way with the Lord’s despised few;
     I’m going through, Jesus, I’m going through.
6. Many once started to run in this race,
   But with our Redeemer they could not keep pace;
   Others accepted because it was new,
   But not very many seem bound to go through.
7. Let me but follow my Lord all alone,
   And have for my pillow, like Jacob, a stone,
   Rather than vain worldly pleasures pursue,
   Than turn from this pathway and fail to go through.
8. Come then, my comrades, and walk in this way
   That leads to the kingdom of unending day;
   Turn from your idols and join with the few,
   Start in with your Savior, and keep going through.