blindsided by life

Today I heard some news that struck me like a semi truck in the blind spot. I was just ‘cruisin’ along on the internet, checking out all my favorite blogs to keep up with friends that distance has separated me from. When there on one, I read a song – it was a song written for the Skoglund family. (a dear family at the church we belonged to in Racine Wsconsin). “Why did Amy write a song for them?” I wondered. As I read the lyrics, it became very clear. Their son, an army pilot, died in a helicopter crash on a training mission in Italy. He was 31 years old. I prayed for them, and I grieved with them.

I read this right before I went to a Bible study. I asked everyone there to pray for that dear family.

Then I went to pick up Nathan from the nursery. He was so sweet. He squealed a little when he saw me. Then he put away the toys he was playing with and came over with his arms lifted high. When I picked him up – he gave me kisses.

As we walked down the hall, with him reaching his little arm up and holding onto my one finger, I thought to myself. I though, “oh Nathan, I want so badly to protect you from ever knowing the hurt of losing someone you love”. “Such a sweet boy should never know hurt like that,” I reasoned. I realized in a moment’s time – that I cannot ever protect him from that. But I DID realize what I can do. I can train him up to know and love the Lord. I can show him, that in God, he can have confidence that all things will work out for good. And that if he knows Jesus as his savior, he won’t even have to fear death. I can teach him about hope – real hope and real joy. Not the kind that waxes and wanes and fades when situations get bad. Only the hope and joy that come with knowing God and trusting in Him.

On the way home I heard a song on the radio, that said what I was trying to say. Here is the chorus:

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

(Cry out to Jesus, by Third Day)


Tonight I do cry out to Jesus. I cry out for comfort for the Skoglund family, for peace in my own heart, and for all those who do not know the hope that is found in Him.