Pursue the Beauty!
reflections on the intermix of beauty, grace, and sufferingArchive for Music
You are Who You are
- Originally published on August 29, 2006
“Praise You in This Storm” ranks up with Natalie Grant’s “Held” as one of the most honest and faith-filled proclamations in the last few years. We all have times we need to be able to fall down and sing this, though it hurts even to take those faltering steps of faith.
Casting Crown’s “Praise You in This Storm”
(Go here for the complete lyrics and story behind the song)
I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
And stepped in and saved the day
Once again, I say Amen, and it is still raining
I’ll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm
This song is about choosing to believe despite how we feel. It is about faith tested and proven when nothing looks safe or right. Our circumstances do not change Who our God is. It is so easy to say when the sun shines…but what about when you have been in darkness so long that light itself seems only a dream?
Caption: Myself and Elizabeth enjoying an Alaskan August in Anchorage.
A lyric from my grandfather
My grandfather flew up from Texas this past weekend and was a huge help and support to me. He sent me this song when he returned home and i wanted to share it as I am sure many of you can relate. We feel weak so often. We’ve nothing left to do but beg the Lord for His merciful help.
The Real Me
- Originally published July 6, 2006
Long-time readers probably could guess that I greatly appreciate music with lyrics that are honest. Songs addressing the real-life struggles can become treasured companions for many years. This song by Natalie Grant, much like her song Held expresses reality without pretention. And I love it for that.
I first heard The Real Me while driving to the hospital very early Friday morning. I would like to think that such is not a coincidence. Several hours of blood tests awaited…and I was so tired that I knew heading to work afterward would be a challenge. This song helped.
Sometime I think it might be beneficial to share more of what is going on in my life right now…I will be open to opportunities to do so. For now, here is The Real Me.
The Real Me
Foolish heart looks like we’re here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don’t let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I’m empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I’m loosening my grasp
There’s no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I’m tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I’ve made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I’m loosening my grasp
There’s no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You’re turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I’m loosening my grasp
There’s no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
And you love me just as I am
Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
