This post is in loving memory of Araella, who left this world to live where He is three years ago today. I hope her voice brings you peace and reminds you of His voice.
Rae recorded a song on April 6, 2018. If I remember correctly, her roommates told me that after Easter weekend, Araella began to spend more time going to a room in the chaple where she could play and sing alone. (Reminds me of Jesus going to the garden to pray.) The song that Rae recorded on April 6th was "Reckless Love." A song with lyrics Araella had been contemplating for a while... I think she talked about the lyrics with her friends from Upper Room. I know we talked about them. And we talked about the parable of the Shepherd leaving the 99 sheep for the 1. After that conversation I often reminded Araella that she was the 1 He would leave the 99 for 💛
Araella's prayer journal indicates that she knew her healing might be heavenly. She knew each day was a gift and that she may not have many days left. Her prayers indicated that she had pain. And yet, on April 6th she sang to God about how He was so, so good to her. So, so kind to her. It made me cry every time I heard it and that is why I haven't shared it before now. I didn't want to make you sad. But as my mom and dad and I listed and sang along with her last evening, I realized that Rae wouldn't have saved it on her phone and marked it as a favorite to make us sad! I realized I was missing something.
So, after mom and dad left I sat with Araella's sweet voice and these lyrics for some time and I started to understand what she was declaring. I think that even though Rae was being confronted by cancerous shadows, mountains, walls, and lies, she was also feeling pursued by God - who was fighting for her. Rae felt pursued by God! Wow.
I know you can't see her as she sings. And I know the song ends abruptly. But someday you can see her again! And that day will never end.
As you listen to Rae's voice, remember you are the 1. You are the 1 He would leave the 99 for 💜
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so so kind to me
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God"
