Praise You in the Storm

And though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm.  - Casting Crowns

It's been 4 years since my dear, sweet friend Shannon left this earth to be with the Lord.  I don't know if I will ever understand why, but there IS comfort in knowing God's goodness regardless of the circumstances.  I remember praying for her without ceasing.  She was constantly on my heart and before the throne.  I believed that God would heal her and give her more years even until the very last.  I don't know that I had ever believed God would do heal someone like I believed and prayed for her healing.  After she passed it was hard to believe that God hadn't healed her because I was so convinced He would.  It was several weeks after that I finally cried out to the Lord in my hurt and anger and said to Him, "But I believed you would heal her.  You told me You would heal her and I believed.  Where is the healing You promised?"  Sometimes the Lord speaks in such a soft and loving way.  I remember hearing His soft voice in my heart saying to me.  "She is healed.  She is with me."  That was it.  But it was all I needed to hear.  It still hurt, but there is something about the presence of the Lord and hearing His voice that brings such comfort to the soul.  The Lord did answer my prayer.  It wasn't what I thought or wanted really, but He answered just the same.  

Casey sang this song at her memorial service.  It was one of her favorites and I can't help but think of her and her family every time I hear it.  Her sickness and suffering drew me closer to the Lord though it was through a storm and my heart was definitely torn. 


Love you Shannon!  Love you Eric, Noah, Lydia and Anna.  May the Lord bless you and His face shine upon you.