Thursday, August 21, 2008

Tuscaloosa

I got back late last night from Tuscaloosa. A few old friends and I drove down for the services for Noah. Needless to say it was a very emotional trip. I am so glad that we went. It was good to be with Deb and Josh and grieve with them for their loss and celebrate with them that Noah is now completely healed.

I was so humbled and touched by their faith in strength and it was amazing to see and meet some of the people in their new home town that Noah’s life has deeply touched.

Josh spoke at the funeral and the message was clear. He spoke about how they are just a normal couple who had an extraordinary little boy. And how the reason they can celebrate during this more than difficult time is not because they are incredible people, but because they know and believe in an incredible God.

We sang this song during the service. The words are powerful and speak volumes about Deb and Josh’s view on their journey with Noah.

Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman
- - -
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your 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'll 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'll 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


It feels a little odd to be back home and getting back in the swing of things. But here I am and here we go. Tomorrow I am off to Ikea with a friend. Yep, I’ll take photos and explain later. +

6 comments:

Katie said...

Thanks for posting about this, I've been curious! What a powerful song choice.

Jodie Allen said...

I have sang that song so many times and never really "heard" the significance related to a loss. Thanks for typing the words, it was good to read it and "hear" it for the first time.

I hope you're ok, I thought about you a lot the last few days being down there.

Anonymous said...

Hey,
Reading the lyrics in with their circumstance gave me goosebumps-what a powerful testimony.
Emily
PS
Is there an IKEA in St. Louis? If so, we are jealous!

Christine said...

I love that song! I lost a baby in 2000 and found it very healing then. Yes, believers can lose much and still rejoice through the pain and tears. Nice post.

Deb said...

It meant the world to me that you and Erin and Peggie made the journey down to Tuscaloosa. Your friendship lightens my burden... I love you.

Anonymous said...

Through long routes found your blog. Love the song you have playing on your site. Wondering what it is and who it is by. So sad to hear about the little boys passing....made me cry for his parents and family.