So, right now I’m on the road on the Very Merry Christmas Tour with New Song and Newsboys. I wake up every day, and usually don’t know what day it is, or where I am, but I do know that it’s COLD outside.
I’m so appreciative of everyone’s WARM welcome wherever we go, SO THANKFUL for the volunteers that help me carry heavy things and make me special food, and not quite sure what to say sometimes when I get to hear stories from those that share them with me after shows- when they share how a song has been their anthem through pain.
There’s never a good time to endure suffering, but sometimes going through it during the holidays seems even worse. Whether it’s the first Christmas without a loved one, whether they have left this earth or just left the house or you’ve lost a job or are fighting the battle of your life, for your life or for the life of someone you love… the list goes on, and whatever the specific story is, it’s a little harder because it’s supposed to be the season to be jolly.
I don’t know, I just wanted to say thank you to those that share your stories. I’m thankful there has been some comfort in songs like “No Matter What,” and “Keep Breathing.” I wish there were words that I could say to bring comfort or give you encouragement, because as you share, you encourage me.
The one thought I’ve been pondering lately as I look around, is that sometimes, I find the reality of what I see is too much for me to handle. It’s not enough to just close my eyes so I can’t see it anymore, the images are still burned in my mind. My only option is to look up. So if you feel like you’re surrounded by what you can hardly bare to see/realize/face, look up. It won’t make anything go away, but it can change your heart and give you a moment of relief.
One of my favorite Newsboys’ moments in the show is when they do “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth, will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”