Songs

Be forewarned, this is a sad post. But it's something that I want to share. My sister recently shared this song with me, and it really made me think (and cry...if you listen to it, it'll probably make you do the same). It's called "If you're reading this" by Tim McGraw.

If you’re readin’ this
My momma’s sittin’ there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here.
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
War was just a game we played when we were kids
Well I’m layin’ down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God and we’re both watchin’ over you
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed that it would go.
If you’re readin’ this I’m already home.
If you’re readin’ this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
And stands up for the innocent and the weak
I’m layin’ down my gun,
I’m hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
is where my momma always prayed that it would go
If you’re readin’ this, I’m already home
If you’re readin’ this,
There’s gonna come a day
You move on and find someone else and that’s okay
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Soldiers live in peace and angels sing amazing grace
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma always prayed that it would go
If you’re readin’ this
If you’re readin’ this
I’m already home

This song...made me think about what awaits us after "here". And why we do the things we do, live the lives we do. I recently decided to finally go to college to persue a Counciling Degree and also (hopefully) become an ASL interpreter, (Please pray for open doors, wisdom and direction) because the thought occured to me that I didnt want to go back home, work my factory job, day in and out for what? Just to pay bills...And I know that if I dont take this step, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. For a long time, I have felt called to Teach and Council (as my friend Ginger will tell you :) and College is part of that calling. But for what? It is more than just "to make a difference in people's lives", it's to point them to the Master, to allow HIM to change them, and watch them grow, and live the life that HE has called them to Live, to earn the Crown that we will soooo eagerly cast at His more than worthy feet, telling Him by action, and not by lip service that it's all about HIM. (And it is...even though I forget that ALOT).

But it also made me remember that we, as Believers, have not passed from death to life just to die again, but leave this world to be with the ONE who has Redeemed us, to finally look on the face of the ONE who loves us more than we could imagine, the ONE who has healed us with HIS stripes and pulled us out of our mess and our pits with HIS strong nail scarred hand. That leaving all this behind, as sad as it is to think about, means trading struggles and trials for a place of Joy...a home. (It's no suprise to me that the sign for "home" in Sign Lang. has 2 parts, the sign for "eat" and the sign for "rest"-w/ God, we'll do both, and i'm all about the eatin and restin!!)

We recently lost a Third Country National in a rocket attack, and as I looked at his body being carried out on a stretcher, I couldnt help but wonder, "Did he know?" "Has he seen, experienced the Love of Christ?" And this is where I need help...in showing (and sharing) His love with everyone, not just the people I like, not just the people who are my friends, but to the ones who get on my nerve beginings, to the ones who I just cant stand to be around. (I'll bet its safe to say we all know people like that), to, as the Jars of Clay song says, "serve the ones that I despise, speak the Words I cant deny". (Also, let me add that no American was touched during the attack-Yes, God does answer prayers, and is true to His word (Psalm 91).

Anyway, I wanted to share that with you. Thanks, Becca (mi hermana favorita) for sharing that song w/ me-TE AMO!!) Also, I'm gonna try to post a picture on here, its of a few of us and one of our Cultural Advisors.

Ra'Hameck ISA (Jesus Bless you-)

James