I Will Rise

Today has been a wonderful yet very difficult day for me. We had a very full Easter Sunday, beginning with finding hidden Easter baskets and Mass, then spending the afternoon at our friends the Carlsons' house, and ending with a stopover at the Foleys' house. The girls had a wonderful day full of more sweets and treats than they knew what to do with. Ben and I enjoyed many great conversations with friends and watching our girls enjoy the day.

But I find myself ending my day as I have so many nights of late - scared, confused, in tears. I have always made a point to write in my entries one good thing that happened in my day, to remember that there is happiness in even the toughest of days. But I am now realizing that there are blessings in the struggles as well. Rather than brushing them aside and pretending they don't exist, I need to find the blessing in the suffering. Maybe that is the only way to get through it. Today at Mass I was reminded that no matter how hard life may seem on any given day, Jesus rose from the grave for me. It seems trite to just write it like that, and to be honest it doesn't exactly make me feel any better. But it is the truth, and I cling to that truth, knowing it will get me through this and every hardship. Father said in Mass that our faith lies in the empty tomb. I am not even sure I fully grasp this concept, but for some reason that message stuck with me today. I find myself praying harder than ever before, hoping desperately that God will grant me some much needed peace.

During the Eucharist this morning the choir sang the song I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin. I leave you tonight with the lyrics from this song. I have had it stuck in my head all day, and each time I sing it absent-mindedly I say a prayer that I can follow the song's message, put myself in Christ, and rise again.


Chris Tomlin's I Will Rise Lyrics

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise