Believe
We use this word so often for the encouragement of others and especially during the magical holidays. But, when all the words have been said and the decorations put away for the year, do we say it enough to ourselves and to our loved ones? The word, “believe,” is similar to the words, “trust” and “hope,” for me. They are powerful words, though they can seem vague and almost fairytale words. But my faith brings me back to my true anchor. I believe, trust and hope in One greater than myself.
I had a lot to believe for this week.
The Ceremony of Remembrance, reception, and (after) birthday party for Mary Virginia Hendricks, a precious friend of my oldest daughter and who had Down Syndrome, were all filled with stories about her infectious joy and unfiltered love. The Signs & Songs Friends who sang from the Friends Life Community where Mary attended, and the women who led worship (including my Jessica) caused my heart to overflow with tears. I tried my hardest to keep the tears from coming, knowing that if I considered Mary’s life and Robert’s life in the same thought, I would be a mess. I did my best, but the words and the music took me there.
What a privilege to witness the reflections from her beautiful family and community. This intentional community surrounded Mary’s entire family with arms of support — arms that I know will hold them in the coming days.
As I listened to Pastor CeCe Winans Love literally preach the song, “Believe For It,” near the close of Mary’s service, the word, “believe” kept pressing into my soul. What was I believing for? What could I possibly believe for, now? If I have the privilege, will my words to her loving sisters bring hope, now?
Yes, I know. You wish I would just leave these questions alone. I wish I could. But do you know these are the questions that really birth growth? What are you going to do with all of that belief and hope when the bottom falls out? Where will you stand in your soul and your faith when that mountain not only moves, but it is dropped suddenly into the deepest valley you have known? When the numbness wears off, what will you be believing for?
What have I believed for?
What have You believed for?
Come on! Let’s dig in and search our hearts for these answers. I’ll go first!
I believe, trust and hope that my life is valuable and worth living despite the loss of our son. There was a time that I couldn’t say that in 2015 when Robert passed away. Living just seemed too hard.
I trust in a God that I have not seen, nor have I heard His voice. I trust that He has a plan, and it is a good plan, despite the losses that smack me in the face.
I hope that one day — One Day! — the trials I have faced and overcome prove to really matter in the lives of others who walk similar roads. I know that our children are strong, caring adults because of the way we have walked. It could all be a cruel joke, but I know better from the hands I have held.
Your turn. What do you really believe, trust in, and hope for? I will leave you to it! Go.
We just started a new year, and if you haven’t already searched your soul for the meaning of it all, I challenge you to take some time. We do not often get to prepare for the sudden things in life. We are far too often thrown unwillingly into the fire. Where will my belief, trust and hope stand in the real world when my life is upside-down? How about your life?
I am deeply moved by the lyrics of CeCe’s song because of the events of the last few months. I thought the lyrics were not for me when I first heard them, even though CeCe is my most favorite female vocalist on the planet! (Can I get an AMEN?!) I thought I could not relate to it in all circumstances. I may have just been tired of believing. It happens. But I was wrong. I could not have been more wrong.
“We know that hope is never lost …
God we believe no matter what …”
No matter what. Believe … when the lights are turned off; when the microphone is silent; when the curtain has dropped; when the phone does not ring; when the pain is unbearable; and when the casket is closed. No matter what.
Believe for it … still.
You are not alone, my friend. Thank you, Mary, for showing me a new depth of belief. Thank you, Suzanna, Mary’s caring sister, for the privilege of walking with you. And thank you, CeCe, for always showing up.
Listening Library: “Believe For It” (CeCe Winans)
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people …” (Ephesians 1:18 NIV)
Believe For It
They say this mountain can't be moved They say these chains will never break But they don't know You like we do There is power in Your name
We've heard that there is no way through We've heard the tide will never change They haven't seen what You can do There is power in Your name So much power in Your name
Move the unmovable Break the unbreakable God we believe God we believe for it
From the impossible We'll see a miracle God we believe God we believe for it
We know that hope is never lost (oh) For there is still an empty grave God we believe no matter what There is power in Your name So much power in Your name
Move the unmovable Break the unbreakable God we believe God we believe for it
From the impossible We'll see a miracle God we believe God we believe for it (hey)
You are the way When there seems to be no way We trust in You God You have the final say, yeah
You are the way When there seems to be no way (yes You are) We trust in You God You have the final say (You are the final say)
Move the unmovable Break the unbreakable God we believe God we believe for it
From the impossible We'll see a miracle God we believe God we believe for it God we believe God we believe for it
Songwriters: Cece Winans / Dwan Hill / Kyle Lee / Mitch Wong
Believe For It lyrics © Amplified Administration, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music
