I May Fall, But I Will Rise

I like very few Christian musicians and artists. I have to plug Josh Garrels briefly, though. He has a way with his words and his songs to get to the heart of the matter that doesn't end up making the song feel contrived or forced. Not only is his musicality outstanding, but his heart really is shown through his lyrics. I'm thankful that my sister turned me toward his music.

Okay, enough of a plug...

Today I was listening to Josh Garrels' song "Rise". 

"Though they may surround me like lions

And crush me on all sides

I may fall, but I will rise

Not by my might, or my power, or by the strength of swords

Only through Your love, my Lord

All we've lost will be restored"

These lyrics struck me anew this morning with what has been on my mind lately. I was talking to my "Alternate Dad" (my best friend's dad who has taken me under his wing) just briefly today about how these last few years have brought me to places of darkness like none other. And yet I acknowledge that I enjoy an emotional and mental health that I never thought possible. 

I was telling my mom over the last couple days that the older I get the more I'm not afraid of what life might throw at me and my family. I mean, look what we've come through. Cancer, death, conflict, divorce, abuse, etc. If I had to sit down and think about why my family is so resilient to the point we shine brighter as people on this side of troubles - I would have to give credit to God. There is no human way to be able to stand tall after the destruction and shame. It only could be God.

I have friends that are going through a lot of things right now. Some of it is out of their control - and some of it is a direct result of poor choices that they have made. There is a tomorrow. My mom always told me that my worst day was not my last day. In the middle of the forest of despair I didn't believe her. There was no way I could see my life ever being good again. The heartache was too much. The shame was too great. 

What do you know? My mom was right. 

"I hung my head for the last time

In surrender and dispair

Before I'm dead I'll take the last climb

Up the mountain, face my fears

The time has come to make a choice

Use my voice for the love of every man

My mind's made up, never again

Never again will I turn around"

I believe that I am a walking miracle. All it takes is remembering where I was two years ago to realize how far I've come. I need to make sure that I don't take credit for any of that. I want to never make the mistake of taking credit away from God and His grace and strength. I have a very strong personality and I'm very adaptable - but I was running down an incorrect path and without Him, and Him alone, I would be even more lost today than I was before. 

Your worst day is not your last day as long as you live through God's grace and love. All that's lost will be restored.