While christmas shopping, i went inside Francesca's since i usually find small goodies there. I came across this cute little frame/board thingy and saw it read "It is well with my soul" -- it isn't even a "christian" store so i thought it was so strange! But i absolutely loved the calligraphy on it so i had to get it. My first thought was, hmmmm..who can i get it for ? I thought of several of you girlies when i bought it..but then for some reason, my selfish desire told myself that it'd look great on my wall. LOL
(This isn't the hymm- bethel's version..but it's still great)
"Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
So let go my
soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name"
"It is well with my soul." What does that even mean?
I personally love all versions. The original hymm, Bethel's and Hillsong's-- I sing it all the time and am so touched by the lyrics! But i decided that i don't really know what i'm saying. So..i decided to look up it's story and share it with you guys. It's actually a beautiful testament of how deep our faith can go...and a profound example of a man of God.
(All credit goes to the awesome Wikipedia)
Horatio Spafford was a wealthy chicago lawyer, with a wife, 4 daughters and 1 son. They were what seemed to be a great family, and even abundant in finances and happiness. Their first tragedy hit when their only son died of Scarlet Fever in 1870. Then the famous "Great Chicago Fire" in 1871 destroyed all his real estate- going into financial turmoil. He was a lawyer though so his assets weren't all just in real estate! However..in 1873, the economic crisis hit him hard. His family planned a vacation to Europe around that time but still wanted to go. With a late change of plans, Horatio sent his wife and 4 daughters first, while dealing with unfinished business at home. Just when we thought he's already had enough sorrow and troubles...the ship that his family was on hit a sea vessel, causing it to sink while crossing the Atlantic. Thankfully, his wife survived...but his FOUR daughters weren't so lucky :'(
Now. When we take a look at those 3 HUGE tragic events...i'm thinking..how in the world does "It is well with my soul" come out of his lips. How do you have peace?
I think as society influences us, we tend to put all the blame on God. When bad things happen, we blame Him. When good things happen, we either have the decency to give Him some of the glory..or our selfish nature takes over and gloats on our own ability, thinking WE own the credit.
I guess that's what Horatio did-- He gave God the glory. Yes, he was in so much sorrow and grief..but on the boat ride over to Europe to unite with his grieving wife...something must have clicked. God must have been with Him.
And that's the amazing, powerful thing about the Spirit. He's ALWAYS with us. And that ...is how his soul is indeed..so so well.
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; i shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God."
Psalm 62: 5-6 (ESV)
Oh my soul- wait in silence. Our hope, our salvation, our everything is in Him. He is our rock and refuge. So with that, our soul is well. When we come to the faith, the understanding, the TRUTH- that He is all we need, then we simply are well.
I want to be at a place..I want alllll of us to be at a place, where we can say that everything is well. That our souls are so well. Not because we're doing well in a worldly sense. But because our hope lies in God. It doesn't lie in financial security or relationships..it lies in God alone.
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Anyways, happy new year beautiful people! Sorry for the super delayed blog. I've been meaning to blog more...i have so many drafts laid out! haha. I will post more often.. i hope.. :D
I was inspired and wanted to quickly blog this..as i have work in 6 1/2 hours hehe.
And while i'm at it, i hate doing new years resolutions..but here are some i wanted to share! Hopefully this will keep me accountable.
1. Be completely lost and in God's love and glory.
2. Learn to accept love from people.
3. Don't let fear of rejection/pain get in the way of my own happiness.
4. Boundaries.
5. Say YES to any great opportunity.
6. Make healthier choices & join a gym/Workout plan
7. Travel as much as i can.
8. Business plans with Kelly & Jen. (Look forward to cool things my friends)
9. Become financially independent.
Hope you all thought of yours (it's not too late!) and have a soulmate or someone to share it with! And to be accountable for ;) Again, promise i'll blog more for those who actually read this...Does anyone read this anymore? hehe..
Alright, sleep is calling and begging for me. Love you all! Hope you all have a victorious, great week. Stay warm, stay golden. And always, do everything in love.
xx
