April 29, 2007 2:44 PM
I Can Only Imagine
Turn off anything that's playing, take some deep breaths, relax and spend a few minutes here.
Maddy came in as I was watching this and said, "Mom, how do we know heaven is real?" and I said "Because God told us."
And she said, "Yeah, but how do we really know?"
And I burst into tears. "I know because I lived a life of terible sin and the moment I gave my life to Jesus I was changed. Oh, honey, you will never know it the same way I do. Sometimes I almost feel sorry for people who grow up as Christians because you may have doubts I will never have. The power of a transformed life is just undeniable evidence that Jesus is real, not just a story."
I think it helps that my decision to turn my life over to Christ did not take place in a church - in fact, it was only a couple months later after reading the gospel of John that Tripp and I realized we had become born-again Christians - much to our dismay, I might add :). Then we knew we needed to go to church.
But my relationship to God is more important and immediate and real than any church could ever be. And I do believe that's the way it should be.
Posted in Inspiration | Permalink
Comments
I love that song! We played it at my father-in-law's funeral last month, so right now, it makes me rejoice to know he is with our Lord! Still makes me cry, though -- that strange mix of joy and sadness.
Posted by: Amanda | April 29, 2007 4:50 PM
Oh I have just sat with the kids and listened/watched the clip. My youngest who is 3 said "Why are you sad?" "I am not sad." I replied. "So what are those drips on your face?"
I don't have your testimony but I can witness to what you said to Maddy. I have seen God provide,heal and restore in my life. I tell my children what God has done for us and where I may have been now if it wasn't for Jesus. Thanks for all you share. I am reminded to keep it real with people around me, especially my kids.
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl@chudley.org | April 30, 2007 5:33 AM
Barbara,
I'd like to share an email I sent my sister in law who is a dyed in the wool liberal in Portland. She apologized for sending this link because the song was a "Christian" song.
Here is my reply.
Keep up the good fight.
In His grip,
Polly
Thank for sending this Barb,
I read about this family in Chicken Soup for the Soul a few years ago. I have to tell you, I am touched by this story in so many ways. The love of this father and his son is quite inspiring. But it also brings to mind the fact that God blessed me by NOT letting Isshah live. You see, I am not the kind of parent that this man is. I could never have the patience to care for a handicapped child. I know this about myself. God knows that about me. He made me after all.
Isshah's short life (2 days) was a gift to me. Her death was as well. Having been giving warning that she would die was a gift. Planning a home birth like we did and giving birth to a baby with as many deformities as she had would have been mind boggling in the decision making. God is gracious in so many ways. Even in a potentially devastating situation, He was able to show me His love and mercy.
I love this song as well. I truly dislike most (if not all) contemporary Christian music. When I hear the whining I just want to grab the nearest screw driver, be it Phillips or flat, and push it through my ear drums. Give me a good old hymn and I'm happy. But this song just grabs my heart every single time I hear it. I can't really imagine what heaven will be like. Yes, I know I will see Christ. But I want to see my sweet daughter, my father and many other people that have gone before me that were Christians. The list is long and varied...Just a few are: Elvis (don't laugh!), Lewis Grizzard (that man's newspaper column and books brought so much joy to me, I can't really explain it), CS Lewis and more. There are others that I hope trusted in Christ as their savior so I can see them as well.
So, as you can see, I can dream about what heaven will be like. But the truth of the matter is, heaven will be so much more than I can imagine because, well, it is HEAVEN!
There's no need to apologize for sending this video. I needed to be reminded of God and His boundless grace.
With lots of love,
P
Posted by: Polly | April 30, 2007 2:32 PM
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your testimony. I am one of those "saved as a child" Christians and while I am thankful for being spared much of the hurt that can happen with a lifetime of terrible choices, it is true that sometimes I do have doubts because I've been a believer in Jesus for as long as I can remember. He is gracious, though, and has brought me through some dark days which have strengthened my faith and answered many of those doubts. I wanted to tell you to keep sharing your testimony, because it is a GREAT reminder to others like me. Your experience encourages us in our faith, and you are faithfully building up the body of Christ when you share it. Thank you!
PS It was a pleasure to meet you at Mt. Hermon!
Posted by: Kari | April 30, 2007 7:31 PM
This was a great compliment to a recent post of mine - and to a conversation with my kids. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lexie | May 1, 2007 11:37 PM
How true. I came from the same background as you have, knowing the extreme difference between living in the world rather than living in the word of the Lord. I feel blessed having lived through that time, for I, like you know that we know there is a God who loves us. Not only did He guide us through that time, He gave us His only Son for our sins! I see the value of our past as a tool for reaching others whom have lived it. I see many Christian families suffer through the pain of their sons and daughters turning their back on their parent's Godly direction. It is shocking how many families are going through this. I have a tender heart toward these kids and they seem to gravitate towards me. They know I have been there and they know I won't judge them. God has given me the ability to meet them where they are and tell them what I went through in order to bring the reality of what they are doing to light. As far as Christian upbringing, I have zero experience, but I remember once talking to a senior in high school who never swayed from God and she is now a young mother of 2 on the mission field! I would seek a wise and Godly older girl that has never stepped from the will of God to talk with your daughter and validate her feelings, also to encourage her that she NEVER has to live the way we did. God loves us, doesn't He?
Posted by: Debby F | May 2, 2007 11:26 AM
