The infant’s young mother stood at the podium in front of a large group of family and friends to share her feelings. With her loyal husband at her side with his arm around her she expressed gratitude to God for this experience. She publicly thanked her Father in Heaven for her infant son.
Born prematurely, he lived only three weeks, but his beautiful spirit had been with her for almost a year. With confidence she stated her belief in an afterlife and that her family would be reunited.If we believe this life is all there is and that death is the end of our existence that would be a sad and pathetic conclusion.
This weak theory makes people even more miserable and undermines the very intelligence of who we are and how far we’ve come in understanding things as they really are.
Some bright minds conclude the advancements in science are evidence there is no God. Is such naive intelligence and so called theorists to brilliant that they overlook a possible conclusion that a supreme being could possibly be the source of applying all these truths? Who are we to question the existence of a God when we have so many problems of our own. Nations and cultures can't even figure out how to get along with one another. Maybe our selfish nature denies there is something greater than ourselves.
Nothing in science can remotely prove there’s no God. Rather every proven theory or fact of truth in science advances the notion God is behind all of this beauty. "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." When the sunsets it's not just beautiful, it's a reminder He's close by. When there's fresh snow on a Christmas morning, it's not just a hallmark card, but a reminder he's close by.
I love the statement by Leo Tolstoy who said, “The more we live by our intellect, the less we understand the meaning of life.” Those who choose the path of humility during times of crisis will find a loving and kind God if they are looking. What they discover as they kneel in humble prayer with an open mind cannot be described in words. If consistently seeking help from the Almighty they will hear His voice and feel the comfort in their hearts.
God’s love is like warming our hands on a fire after a cold day. I’ve felt that fire many times. I can’t deny it.
I pray that we might pay more attention to the life events experienced by other people. For some it’s difficult to do. But we can find the strength within ourselves to ease the burden of those who are burdened. We can mourn with those that mourn. God will guide us and inspires us how to help or what to say when the time is right. Sometimes the most powerful form of expression is to wrap our arms around those in pain and say nothing.
Life goes by quickly. Every moment counts. With every passing moment how much more fulfilling our lives will be if we count our blessings and seek to recognize the daily influence of a loving God in our lives. He understands all things and why he brings children home. We have to trust Him or we have nothing to trust in.
After losing his young daughter, singer Steven Curtis Chapman wrote these power lyrics worth reading:
We planted the seed while the tears of our grief soaked the ground
The sky lost its sun, and the world lost its green to lifeless brown
Now the chilling wind has turned the earth hard as stone
And silently seed rise beneath ice and snow
And my heart's heavy now
But I'm not letting go of this hope I have that tells me
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
And all we've been hoping and longing for soon will appear
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
It won't be long now, it's just about here
Hear the birds start to sing
Feel the life in the breeze
Watch the ice melt away
The kids are coming out to play
Feel the sun on your skin
Growing strong and warm again
Watch the ground: there's something moving
Something is breaking through
New life is breaking through
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
And all we've been hoping and longing for soon will appear
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
And it won't be long now, it's just about here
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
Out of these ashes, beauty will rise
And all we've been hoping and longing for soon will appear
Sorrow will be turned to joy
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
All we hoped for soon will appear
It won't be long now, it's just about here
LISTEN TO THE SONG
All I can say is what a BEAUTIFUL post. It also amazes me that people don't believe in a higher power. If it wasn't for my faith there is no way I would be able to overcome the pain in heart after loosing my daughter. This post has really touched my heart, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you always.
I love the lyrics to the song by Stephen Curtis Chapman. Thank you for sharing them. Loosing my child is the hardest thing I've ever done. The song seems to capture many of those feelings I have felt. Your music is also incredible and brings "spring" to my soul. Thank you for sharing your talent in so many special ways. Love, Nicole Holland
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paul. You're such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had been friends when my little girl passed away. I would have considered it a great blessing to have you play at her funeral. I know without a doubt that you helped bring that mother great comfort today.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree and have had this discussion many times and it boggles my mind that there are those out there who don't believe the same.
ReplyDeleteElder Callister of the Seventy gave a beautiful devotional address at BYU-Idaho where he said:
ReplyDelete"The doubter requires too much of us when he asks us to believe that the miracles of eyes and hands and DNA and order in the universe all happened by chance. The passage of time, even long intervals of time, is not a “cause” and provides no answers without an intelligent designer.
The evidence of Heavenly Father’s existence is everywhere: in every newborn babe and in every system, part, and parcel of the unending and orderly universe, including our own bodies. He is evidenced in every sunset, work of art, and passage of music, all of which He has provided to gladden the heart and bring beauty to our lives. Richard Swinburne said: 'God paints with a big brush from a large paintbox and he has no need to be stingy with the paint he uses to paint a beautiful universe.'
It is not possible to contemplate the immeasurable vacuum and purposelessness that would exist in our lives if He were not there. We would regret the passing of every day and the passing of every loved one, knowing that neither time nor relationships could be extended. We would approach the autumn and then the winter years of life with crescendoing fear. Every day of our lives we should thank Him that He is there and that this life is not all there is."
Your post reminded me of this and I think both your post and Elder Callister's remarks are beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your testimony, Paul. You do so much good and help to uplift others. Thanks for caring so much. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words of inspiration... After 3 miscarriages it's hard to understand at times why things happen. Without the knowledge we have I don't know how I would cope.
ReplyDeleteAs I drove home from a week long family vacation. I looked out my window and actually thought to myself, how could anyone deny our Heavenly Father or His son Jesus Christ? There are moments that I have experienced that have made it so clear to me. I can't imagine for one minute... what it would be like to not have the knowledge that we have--- especially at this point in my life. Many haven't even had opportunity to learn of these truths! I hope that I can do my part, as YOU do-- to share this wonderful gospel and it's truths with all of those around me. I hope that I can mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. I hope that I can offer my love and support to them in ways other than a verbal response. I long to do so. Your music has done that for so many, including me.
ReplyDeleteI want to send your family hugs. I think of you often & love you very much.
Thanks.
Love Jess
Well said....Being a mother that just laid her baby in God's arms that is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I can not imagine doing it without my Heavenly Father standing right next to me.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul, I've been reading your blog through our friend Grant's blog. You are very inspiring to so many people, thank you for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if I could use a short clip (30 seconds) of your song "Our Love" for an assignment I get to make for a class about CHD awareness.
Thank you! amyc45@gmail.com
Paul,we have never met, nor do I suspect we will. Had I known you or your music two years ago, I would have played "Gracie's Theme" at my daughters funeral. She was born 16 weeks early, along with her twin. Now, two years after coming to the world, I rock my other baby to sleep everynight with your music playing in the background. I shed tears of happiness and sorrow. Your music has become the soundtrack of my life. Each note you play speaks volumes to me and the Spirit resonates so strongly through the melody and tune. Thank you for sharing your gift, your life, and your words. I can scarcely wait until the day I am reunited with my girl and the song in my heart will be from your fingers. Eternity is one day closer...God Bless you, and your family.
ReplyDelete