This has to be one of the most beautiful songs that I have ever heard about loss - specifically the loss of a child - and the faithfulness and love of Father God.
Please don't read or watch any further if this might be too distressing for you, although Angie has written her story in order that people might be helped. I don't know her but I have read her story extensively and I believe, as one who works with and loves on grandparents, aunties, mums and dads and children, that there is something in this story that ushers in wholeness and healing. She has written a book; about her little daughter's life and death, that can be pre-ordered here on Amazon.
The song was written by Audrey's mum and dad, Angie and Tim, and you can read theirr story here
If you are in the midst of hurt, grief and anger in the face of suffering or bereavement, Angie's words here might help. It's OK to express that. And if you work with or love children, the perception of a child in the last few paragraphs will have you simultaneously laughing and crying!
I Will Carry You
There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?
People say that I am brave but I'm not
Truth is I'm barely hanging on
But there's a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this
So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who's chosen me
To carry you
Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says...
I've shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?
I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who's chosen Me
To carry you
(c) Angie and Todd Smith, Christa Wells
Lynn, have you read 'The Shaming of the Strong' - it is a story not the same as Audrey's, but similar circumstances = finding out their unborn child would probably die in womb or during birth because of serious disabilites, and choosing to carry baby to term. It's an incredible story and very well written.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't BK. For various reasons I tend to read theological books on children rather than personal journeys/ biographical books but you're persuading me!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I could not get absorbed in multiple stories as I get very emotionally involved and very sad and therefore I find myself drawn back to the Bible quite a lot to lift my head upwards, as Angie is pointing us to do.
The story of Job and the loss of children, wealth, homes, relatiopnship... is, quite simply, phenomenal.
PS thanks for the HT to this story
ReplyDelete