Homesick, by MercyMe

On December 28th, 2010, my uncle passed away. He struggled with cancer for ten years and went in his sleep. The song that immediately came to mind was "Homesick". The band had lost eight people close to them in six weeks. This song is more a reminder to us to bring us comfort. I remember crying the first time I heard this song because I knew that people needed to hear the song. I share this with you now as a reminder to myself that there's always hope.

Homesick: MercyMe (Album: Various Albums)

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Sanctified, by MercyMe

No matter where we are in our lives, we always have to remember that we always have Christ. He has made us free through His sacrifice. His love for us is more than anyone else's. He has set us free.

Sanctified: MercyMe (Album: All That Is Within Me)

Let there be no condemnation
For all who're fully known in Christ
Unspeakable grace for all the nations
By way of holy sacrifice

We worship with the sound of broken shackles falling to the ground

Sanctified I have been set free
Grace divine has swept me off my feet

No greater love has ever been known
Than He who came to find the lost
No greater sacrifice has been shown
Than He who laid upon the cross

Let all creation sing for He has come and He's changed everything

Sanctified I have been set free
Grace divine has swept me off my feet
Grace divine has swept me off my feet

And I know that I will never be the same
And I know that I will never be the same
And I know that I'll never be the same
And I know that I'll never be the same

Sanctified I have been set free
Grace divine has swept me off my feet

And I know that I will never be the same
And I know that I'll never be the same
And I know, yes I know, I will never same
Hallelujah

Strong Enough to Save, by Tenth Avenue North

Many times in our chaotic lives, we are beaten and broken. We don't know who to trust in this world. Even our closest friends have betrayed us and have abandoned us. They don't care about our pain and troubles. We've laid awake many nights, praying and crying out to God that they would make it through to see the beautiful life that He had in store for them. With all the burdens we have, we want someone to listen to us, someone to care about us.

We think that there's no one out there who is strong enough to save us from the darkest corners of our hearts and minds. Or that there is anyone who is patient with us to listen to our every fear and doubt. It's hard to grasp that there's anyone out there who can. However, there is someone out there. God is able to save us. God is willing to listen to our every fear and doubt. He is patient with us, loves us, and wants the best for us. We're His children and He wants us with Him one day. He'll catch us as many times as we fall. He'll heal our hearts as many times as they're broken. He'll fix our lives as many times as we mess them up.

He's the only one out there who can accomplish that. He's the only one who is truly strong enough to save us. God may put people as tools to help get us to that point, but He is the one who is behind it all. To know that He is always there and that He always has a plan brings me great comfort. It doesn't matter what I've done. I'm never out of His reach. No matter how far away I am, He's always by my side. There's no length that He would not go to in order to save you. That's how much He loves and cares for you.

Strong Enough to Save: Tenth Avenue North (Album: The Light Meets the Dark)

You fought
but you were just too weak
so you lost
all the things you try to keep
now you're on your knees, you're on your knees

But wait,
everything can change,
in a moments time you don't have to be afraid,
cause fear is just a lie
open up your eyes

[Chorus:]
And He'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out His name
the one the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

Look now is not too late
lift up your head
let the rain fall on your face
you're not far from grace, you're not too far from grace

[Chorus:]
And He'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out His name
the one the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

[Bridge:]
I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity
I know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea
but hold on, hold on

[Chorus:]
And He'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out His name
the one the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

What Faith Can Do, by Kutless

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you thought, "Wow, I never knew I could do that?". I know that I have experienced several of those. My first moment was when I first started playing my clarinet. I was eleven years old and really had no idea what I was in for. I was always interested in music, but thought that I wouldn't be good at it. I trusted myself for once though and went for that instrument. I took a chance and have been playing instruments for almost ten years now. It's been a long journey. I've struggled a lot over the years and determining whether or not I would be any good at it.

My first challege was in 2005. Most of the long-term clarinet players had dropped out of band and I was suddenly getting first parts. I had been comfortable with the second and third parts. I could play them well and was fine with not being in the spotlight. When this happened, I crumbled a little bit. I couldn't handle the pressure at first. I kept telling myself that I couldn't do it, that I wasn't good enough. It didn't matter if I had been playing for four years, almost five. I just couldn't believe in myself enough to produce the notes.

Then one day, I heard a little voice while practicing. I heard someone whisper, "It's okay, play out and you can do it. I have faith in you."

Just that one voice was enough to give me confidence for the rest of the quarter. I didn't know that I could play so well or even accomplish what I had. I had been too afraid to at first and it turned out to be a turning point for me and my music. Of course, there were plenty of times where I slipped back into the mindset that I wasn't good enough. But there was always faith that I would get out of it. The faith that was put into me in the first place was always incredible.

My second experience was when I wanted to do choir and didn't think I had a good voice or was good enough for choir. My instructor told me to just come and sing anyway. It didn't matter whether or not I hit all the right notes, I was praising God. Her faith in me and encouragement meant the world to me.

The little bit of faith you put in someone and others put in you makes everything easier. But when you put your faith in God, anything is possible. He's the enabler and provider of all things. Faith is the most important foundation of which our relationship in God is built off of. Because of that faith, everything is possible through Christ. I think we all need a reminder that faith is important to us. It's especially when we're hurting that we need to have faith in Christ. He will help us through.

What Faith Can Do: Kutless (Album: It Is Well)

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

I Will Lift My Eyes, by Bebo Norman

Night befell the busy city and one person still laid awake, afraid to go to sleep. Her body craved the rest, but the heart and mind knew what would plague her dreams were she to sleep. Horrific nightmares would come and go, waking her and leaving her breath heavy. So she prolonged each night, praying that the dreams would stop. She wanted the dreams to go away so she would not have to deal with the haunting thoughts they left behind. She already had enough to worry about during the day, so why did she have to suffer in her sleep as well?

That girl was me. I had been so consumed in the darkness, I couldn't see an end. Even my dreams haunted me with the thoughts had lingered throughout most of the day. There wasn't much else I thought about and I hated it. I couldn't get past it either. I remember one night, this song played. I was trying to keep myself awake and I needed the comfort of music. I put my selection on and cried when this song started to play.

I was alone and scared. I needed someone and I had forgotten that God was the one I needed. He was there for me. This song reminds me so many times to look toward Him. I lose sight of that far too often. However, there's always a reminder that God cares. It may be in the form of song, friends, family, or even the rising sun. But there's always another day. And every day that we have is proof that God still cares, that He is still there, and that we can always lift our eyes to Him when we're struggling.

So please don't be afraid to lift your eyes to Him and ask for His help.

I Will Lift My Eyes: Bebo Norman (Album: Between the Dreaming and the Coming True)

God My God, I cry out
your beloved needs you now
God be near, calm my fear
and take my doubt
your kindness is what pulls me up,
your love is all that draws me in


I will lift my eyes
to the maker, of the mountains
I can't climb
I will lift my eyes
to calmer, of the oceans
raging wild
I will lift my eyes
to the healer, of the hurt
I hold inside

I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to you

God my God let mercy sing
her melody over me

God right here all I bring is all of me

Your kindness is what pulls me up,
your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes
to the maker, of the mountains
I can't climb
I will lift my eyes
to calmer, of the oceans
raging wild
I will lift my eyes
to the healer, of the hurt
I hold inside

cause you are
and you were
and you will be forever
The lover I need to save me
Cause you fashioned the earth
and Hold it together
God so hold me now

I will lift my eyes
to the maker, of the mountains
I can't climb
I will lift my eyes
to calmer, of the oceans
raging wild
I will lift my eyes
to the healer, of the hurt
I hold inside

God My God, I cry out
your beloved needs you now

The Words I Would Say, by Sidewalk Prophets

The first time I heard this song, I broke down crying. I felt as though this song was written to all my friends who were suffering at that time. I knew that this was a song that had to be shared. As I started singing and telling people about it, I realized that this song was also written for me. I needed these words of encouragement just as much as the next person.

To know that there's someone who cares enough for you, that they could even feel your pain in their heart is mind-blowing to begin with. However, as I started to think about it, we as the church, should be feeling those same emotions. We should have a deep connection with one another and should share in each other's joys and sorrows. No matter what may happen though, we always need to remember that God is in control and will help us through these times.

However, I still leave you with this reminder. This is what I would say if we were face to face.

The Words I Would Say: Sidewalk Prophets (Album: These Simple Truths)
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

Stand In the Rain, by Superchic[k]

I remember my listening this song on my iPod. I had never heard of the song before and didn't even know whom it was by. I remember that it was on the way to church and the clouds gladly poured upon the surrounding area. Everything around me held little color, it was all starting to fade into one color: black. It had been frustrating because my job search had turned up nothing and I couldn't even go to the movies with my little sister because I had no money.

Everything about my life made no sense. My plans for my future had long since faded. I didn't even know if there was much of a future left for me. I couldn't see myself getting past that day. This song started to play and it reminded of how easy it could be to give up. I was never one to give up. I am a stubbron person, but for some reason, my dreams and hopes for the future were easily forfeited. It's easy to fall into the belief that there's nothing ahead of you.

However, it's when we believe that there isn't anything for us, that we need to remain strong and keep standing. It's not easy. It's never going to be. It hurts. It is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. But in the end, it was worth it. I made it through. I fell about a million times, but God was always there to help me stand and give me more strength. He kept giving me a reason to fight, even if it was just a simple thing such as being able to have a Jamba Juice with my mom. They were the things that kept me going.

They're still the things that keep me going. So please, I know it's hard, but please keep standing when it's all crashing down.

Stand in the Rain: Superchic[k] (Album: Beauty From Pain)

She never slows down.
She doesn't know why but she knows that when she's all alone, feels like its all coming down
She won't turn around
The shadows are long and she fears if she cries that first tear, the tears will not stop raining down

[CHORUS]
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

She won't make a sound
Alone in this fight with herself and the fears whispering if she stands she'll fall down
She wants to be found
The only way out is through everything she's running from wants to give up and lie down.

[CHORUS]
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/stand-in-the-rain-lyrics-superchick.html ]

You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
Stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found

[CHORUS]
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

Hold On, by Stellar Kart

When I went to first hear Stallar Kar live, I had no idea what to expect. I had gone to the concert because Kutless was playing and I really wanted to hear them live. So I ended up going with no idea as to what they even sounded like. They blew me away with their music. Even though I couldn't hear all the lyrics very well, a few of their lyrics stuck out to me. When we got home, my little sister and I looked up more of their songs and I found this one to be the message that sticks through my mind almost daily. I stuggled so much with various issues and often forgot that I was loved.

I never thought I could be loved. Even though I had grown up in the church and had learnt all about God's love for me, I couldn't even grasp it. I couldn't see how a God of His magnitude could even begin to love a wretched creature like me. I was no one and had nothing. I was weak and pathetic. Yet, in spite of those things, I am loved completely.

I may not fully understand the concept of being loved, even with all my flaws, but it's still a great comfort to know that He loves me anyway. There's someone who actually cares about me, even when I can't stand up on my own. Or when I can't see the light through the darkness. There's always a hand to guide me, arms to hold me, and a voice gently calling my name. This song reminds me of all those things so much. I hope you hear it too.

Hold On: Stellar Kart (Album: We Can't Stand Sitting Down)
I am all around you;
And I see,
Everywhere you see.
I am everything,
You believe

[chorus]
If the stars don't shine tonight,
And tomorrow forgets the light
Hold on,
Hold on to Me.

You are,
Loved completely
You mean,
Everything to Me
You will,
Always be here with Me

With everything you have
Hold on to Me.
Don't be afraid, I'm here to stay.
If your hope is running dry,
And your dreams have waved goodbye.
Hold on. Hold on to Me.