Monday, April 06, 2009

Songs that Soothed my Soul

I was driving home from the airport Thursday with a heavy heart. I had just put Kevin on a plane to Portland, Maine. He will spend the next many months in Augusta, Maine. He has returned to Teen Challenge. I headed north toward home with the mountains to the west. It was the first time I'd driven this particular highway home from the airport. It was the first time I'd seen Long's Peak from that angle. The angle was striking - the peak was in the clouds. The recent snow made all of the nooks and crevices stand out in stark beauty. I wish I had brought my camera. I hunted for a picture close to what I saw, and this is the closest I could find.





At that moment, this song came on the radio. The tears came to my eyes. It is one of my favorite songs that we have sung in choir several times. It expresses what I was feeling as I gazed upon the beauty God had provided for me that day.


It was three years ago in June, 2006, that Kev came home from TC - it was one of the reasons I entered this wonderful world of blogging. My dear friend, Diane of Partners in Prayer for our Prodigals threw a fabulous "Welcome Home" party for Kev - you can see the celebration if you go to the link and scroll down to the bottom to June 15 and 16. Kristen is really responsible for my entry into blogging, as she insisted I had to meet this neat lady with whom I had so much in common. It was the beginning of numerous friendships with parents of prodigals. I was thinking of all of this when this song came on the radio. I could hardly believe God's gift to me as I drove home that day. I had never heard this song before. It says what I needed to hear at that moment. More tears. Listen to these beautiful words sung by the Heritage Singers.


It doesn't matter who you you are
It doesn't matter where you've been
It doesn't matter what the scar
It doesn't matter what the sin
It doesn't matter how you fell
Somewhere along the way
There is healing for your life today.

He looks beyond how far you've gone,
He looks beyond when you were hurt,
He looks beyond who stole your soul
He looks beyond what made it worse.
He looks beyond where others failed
To reach out to you and say
There is healing for your life today.




It has been hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he needs to go back to TC. It is hard to realize that he had struggled for so long without letting us know. But we are so thankful and at peace with his decision to seek the help he needs again, and that he did it before it became any worse. Please pray for Kevin, for Sema, and for us as we watch and pray from afar for God to do His mighty work of restoration. I firmly believe Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Please enjoy one more song as Steve Green sings this beautiful truth.




It is my fondest hope and dream and prayer that I will see these sparkling eyes and bright smile again. As our friend, Barb, says, "Just keeping it real!"



25 comments:

kpjara said...

Lots of prayers for your soul!

Unknown said...

I'm agreeing with you in prayer. Somehow, our kids never get old enough NOT to need a mother.

A Hint of Home said...

I love that Steve Green song. Songs are so important and uplifting to our souls. Great post.

Carole Burant said...

Oh Dawn, I'm so sorry to hear that Kevin needs help again but as you say, at least he is seeking the help before it got much worse! Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Such wonderful songs with words to soothe the heart as well as the soul. Songs certainly can help us...I'll never forget the very first time I heard "You'll Never Walk Alone"...it came at a time when I really needed to know that I wasn't alone!! xoxo

Susan said...

I'm so very sorry, Dawn. I had no idea. Only we mothers and fathers of prodigal's can know. BUT GOD!!!! God is not through with any of us yet and I stand firm on THE WORD.

“Jeremiah 31:16-17 “Thus saith the Lord, Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thine children shall come again to their own border.

Susan

nannykim said...

I know this must be so difficult for you; at the same time it is such a blessing that he wanted to get the help. One thing I have seen with each of my children is that God takes his time to work what he wants in them. It sometimes appears slow in our eyes, but God has the infinite knowledge and expertise to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Sanctification is such a big process. I have been reading a devotional in Job. I love the end of Job where God basically is saying --look at my creation---what does it tell you about your God----we are of such puny intellect and knowledge when we compare ourselves to Him---when we see Him, how can we not trust him (why are we so slow at times to trust Him and His work....just like when you were driving and saw the beauty of the mountains....it is a demonstration of the greatness of our God....)

I like the way this book puts it,
"For God is not a theologian; He is the living God. When He speaks, He does not need to justify Himself. God needs no justification; it is man who needs the justification. Therefore instead of rationalizing, God simply points. He points to the mighty works of His own creation that have been there all along for anyone with eyes to see......While it is true that the Lord's answer to Job is neither logical nor theological, this is not the same as saying that He gives no answer. The Lord does give an answer. His answer is Himself. Naturally there is no way to sum up such an answer without sounding prosaic, pedantic, theological. There is no way to sum it up at all. It is not a formula--it is a supernatural encounter, a theophany. The Lord's answer is Himself."

I will try to remember to lift your family in prayer.

Mary said...

Dawn,

I'm glad that Kevin saw his need and is returning to TC. I'm keeping him and your family in my prayers.

Look up a writing group and become a member. Writing is good therapy for all of us. You don't have to let anyone else see it unless you wish them to. Keep a journal. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Mary

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I got your email about Kevin. Sorry it's taken me so long to acknowledge it, but I've been really busy and offline a lot. Actually, I've not even been home much the last several days!

We've come full circle, haven't we, my friend? I'm so sorry that Kevin needs to go back to TC, but so thankful that he realized that he needed help before he relapsed all the way to rock bottom. If there's any comfort to be found in this situation at least you know he's where he needs to be right now to get the help he so desperately needs.

Praying and loving you and your family right now, dear friend.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Midlife Mom said...

Oh Dawn, I am so sorry about Kev needing to go back to TC. I didn't know there was a TC here in Maine. It is 2 hours to Portland and a bit less to Augusta. I will keep him in my prayers and you too. So hard to see our kids go through things in life that we can't make okay. What a blessing to have that song come on your radio just when you needed it. God is good!

Robin in New Jersey said...

Thinking of you today and praying for Kevin's recovery.

jmckemie said...

Dawn, I feel your heart's pain and sorrow but the knowledge that Kevin acknowledged his need for help and his desire to return to the place that he feels can provide that is a praise in the midst of this storm. Praying for the whole family that God would provide just what each of you need to handle this journey. Thank you for sharing such an intimate burden with us so that we can direct our prayers. You are an amazing mother and woman and I consider it an honor to support you by lifting this before the throne.

Robin said...

Oh Dawn - I hear your heart. I will be praying for you and Kevin and Sema. I'm so glad he hasn't given up on himself and is seeking help where he knows he can find it. Your songs were just beautiful and I'm so glad God gave them to you on the day you needed them so badly. He loves you so much!

Susie said...

Dawn,
I'm very sorry to hear this about Kevin. Your heart must feel heavy indeed.
Thankfully, he realized he needed help and sought it out.
I'm glad the songs and the beauty which surrounds you gave you comfort as you came home from the airport.
I'll keep your family in my prayers.
xoxo

Laurie in Ca. said...

Sweet Friend,

You know that I am praying for Kevin and for the work that the Lord wants to complete in his life. We serve a God of second chances, restoration, a God who never gives up on us even if we give up on ourselves. He knows Kevins heart and He knows the pain He is in. He sees Kevin as perfect because His Son lives in his heart. Wherever we go to get away from ourselves, He is there. We cannot run from His sight. I am asking God to go to the very part of Kevins heart that needs to know that he is good enough, loved enough, and is enough for God, just as he is. Begging God to break the chains that bind Kevin and set him free. And I am asking God to gently hold your mother heart as you hope for your only son to be free. It hurts to be a mother as we watch our children suffer, no matter what the cause. I am believing with all my heart that this is the time of Kevin's restoration. I am here for you Dawn and I know your hurts. I am walking this road with you in faith and hope. I love you and thank you so much for reaching out to all of us who love you. The power of many change so much.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

grammy said...

What a hard time with mixed blessings. I don't know the story but I camn hear your pain. I tried to read to go to the links on the side bars,but wasn't allowed to. Will keep you in my prayers.
The mountains have been so 'awesome' with the snow. My camera just does not do them justice. The songs were great.

Kristen said...

"He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it."

Kevin did the right thing. I just hope it works this time. He has so much potential.

As a mom, I can't imagine the pain you feel. But you just keep going. You are an inspiration to me. I already have difficulties and my kids are so young. I only hope I can keep the faith like you have for your kids.

You are a fantastic mother, and an even better grandmother!

Love always....

nancygrayce said...

Oh, Dawn....God is so good! Even when our hearts are breaking, He is holding us.

I can't blog about Paul's situation right now because if he sees it, he'll go balistic! I'm just praying that the Lord will intervene!

Linda said...

I'm so glad you let us know Dawn. I've been praying for him. That song says it so beautifully. We all struggle with something, and there is healing and forgiveness for each one of us.
I'm so thankful that he has decided to get help. Praying for all of you - for grace and strength.

Ms. Kathleen said...

My prayers are so with you. I am so glad that he returned and wants the help. I love that song by Third Day... It is such a comfort. Many hugs!

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Wow, again my absence from reading had me reading back quite awhile. I am so sorry to hear about Keven, but again so glad he found his way to the right place. All will work out.

The girls and you seem to have been busy, and everyone is growing up so fast. I can't believe the twins are almost walking. Seems as though they were born just yesterday.

The snow you got was really pretty too just wish it would give it a rest until next Winter, lol!!

Have a great week and good luck on finding some Easter dresses for the girls. That price jump in size totally stinks!! lol!

Unknown said...

Oh, I wish he was visiting Maine under different circumstances. I will be praying for all of you!

Gigi said...

Dear Dawn...of course I will be praying for your Kevin. Praise God that He has provided a sanctuary! And yes, He will bring to completion the work He has begun...

May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you as well and bring you peace.

Sharon Lynne said...

I'm praying for Kevin.

I'm so glad that God gave you those song-gifts.

The picture is so beautiful. God is big...just like that expanse. And He never runs out of ideas or ways to bring our children to Him.

Hope Sema's doing okay...I'll be praying for her too.

Christa said...

You and yours are in my prayers. God can do remarkable things. As the child of a parent with substance abuse and the mother of a wayward child my heart goes out to you. God bless you and yours

Barb said...

I'm sorry, Dawn. I know this breaks your heart, but as you say, thank goodness he knew he needed help and is getting it. He and Sema are in my prayers.