Mark Schultz and Tree 63 helped give me strength today ...

We were heading home today from the hospital and, as I stated previously, we have started to listen to the local Contemporary Christian radio station in the area. On the way, I heard two songs that gave me a sense of hope amidst all of the chaos that has been occurring.

The first song is a praise and worship song sung by the group Tree63. The song "Blessed Be Your Name" talks about how in both good times and bad, we should continually praise God for what we have. Granted, there have been times it has been hard to praise Him; however, I am beginning to understand this more and more. Below are the lyrics:

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

The second song I heard is by Mark Schultz. Now, I don't know why it is that his music seems to speak to me just when I need a message from God. Previously, his song "He's My Son" gave me assurance that he was watching over Aidan when I felt discouraged about his prognosis. It didn't hurt that Erin and I both heard it three times within a 24-hour period.

Maybe it is because he is a Tulsa, OK native and I pay attention more to music when I know the artist is from my home state (gives me that connection to OK when I am way out here in NC). (EDIT: I found out he is actually from Kansas, but has a strong connection with Tulsa through the Christian radio station there). Maybe it is because he presents his messages in such a beautiful manner with his lyrics. Whatever the case may be, I heard another of his songs tonight that gave me hope. The song is called "He Will Carry Me" and it is a very powerful song if you ever get the chance to hear it. It speaks of how when you are at your deepest point of despair and/or loneliness, you can call out to Him and he will be there for you.

I call, You hear me
I’ve lost it all
And it’s more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You’re strong
I’m weary
I’m holdin’ on
But I feel like givin’ in
But still You’re with me

chorus:
And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me

I know I’m broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You’re always with me

chorus

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I’ve never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you’d see me through
The storm

chorus

I can now with complete confidence and assurance say that I know God is with me and my family and that He will take care of us. We have to remain faithful to Him and continue praying that God will heal Aidan.