Saturday, May 1, 2010

Live

It was one of those weeks that you talk about, but you don’t want to relive it. There were good moments I am thankful for as well as difficult ones, I know will learn from. I had a different job everyday in the operating room so I was stretched going from coordinating coworkers, to cataracts, sterilizing, max-fax, plastics, and assisting anesthesia. I love doing it all because it allows me to be a part of what God is doing in lives here in Africa. Each day I recognized patients that came into the OR to receive surgery that I had seen at screenings. What a joy it was to see the full circle of our efforts in Togo- and I know there is more to come. Life outside of work was just as crazy busy with youth, meetings, playtime with friends, and a long to-do list. So it was already a long week, but the quiet time I needed came on Thursday. Instead of our weekly meeting, one of the chaplains played the piano and sang songs that ministered to my heart (which is common).

"Weak and wounded sinner, lost and left to die

O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus

Fly to Jesus and live!"

The final song, Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice, brought tears as well as thoughts of loved ones at home. I thought of loved ones from Africa, Ani and Vincent that have gone to Jesus. Many of us were praying for O’Brien, who came to us weeks ago and was known as the miracle baby. Doctors were preparing to do extreme measures to help O’Brien and took just a moment to pray and God answered. He was stable and breathing on his own. God gave O’Brien’s mama extra days with her little baby, but he continued to struggle until Friday, when his little heart stopped and he went home to Jesus. Throughout this week, I rejoiced and struggled about life- it is about falling, singing, crying, dancing, until we fly home to Jesus to live.

1 comment:

Crystal said...

I love that song. Looking forward to our chat.

:)

The views expressed here are solely mine and are not the opinion of AWC/Mercy Ships.