Finding God's Presence ~ The Melody Within

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

I hooked Blue's leash to his collar and grabbed a jacket. I absolutely had to step out and away for at least a moment. Fresh air would do my restless spirit good. A bit of sunshine might dry my tears.

As Blue and I walked past the meadow and beneath the canopy of pine, a melody played over and over in my spirit. I couldn't recall any words to match the music, but the melody I recognized. Wiping my tears I said, Lord, what is this song? Why have you brought it to my attention?

Blue and I walked a little farther. The fragrance of Christmas trees wafted through the air as one by one they were felled in the nearby fields. Tree workers chattered among themselves. Dried leaves crunched beneath our feet. A stray crow cawed in the distance.

And the melody continued to play.

Blue and I turned to come back home. A cool, crisp breeze came from the north and blew across my face. We stopped. I tilted my head toward heaven and closed my eyes. Deep in my spirit came the words to the melody and I began to sing: 

Breath of heaven, 
Hold me together, 
Be forever near me.
Breath of heaven. 

That was it! Mary's Song, Breath of Heaven was the song rolling around and through my heart.

I stood in awe. Then I remembered more words: 

Breath of heaven, 
Lighten my darkness, 
Pour over me Your holiness,
For You are holy.
Breath of heaven.

Fresh tears streamed down my chilly face. The embrace of God's Presence soothed me and beckoned me to focus on Him once again. I hurried home, anxious to find the song on youtube and search the words for meaning. 

In the song, Mary is overcome with the realization that the Holy Child is within her. The journey is frightening. The burden is great. She questions why the Lord chose her to carry His Son and, if in a world as cold as stone, why must she walk alone? Mary beseeches the Lord to help her be strong.

We, too, carry the Christ Child - the Resurrected Lord - within us. We are called [chosen] to carry His Light into the cold corners of a darkened world. We are called [chosen] to overflow with His love into a broken and hurting world. We are called [chosen] to be holy as He is holy.

But it's difficult, this journey. It's frightening when the way seems confusing and the flesh is weak and everything inside screams for reprieve from the burden of His plan. And yet, like Mary, we walk on in total surrender bathed in trust and wonder because we love our Father God.

He is amazing, isn't He?

I'm thankful for the breath of heaven that breathes new life into His hurting children. I'm thankful for the One who sent His Son Jesus to lighten our darkness and hold us together.

Breath of Heaven, I offer all I am for the mercy of your plan. Help me be strong.

"Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: "I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the  people...'" ~ Isaiah 42:5-6

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A Tweetable to Encourage Others

Where is God when the journey is hard? @NanJonesAuthor offers hope and healing. (Click to Tweet)
 



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Many have commented on the photography I use for my posters. My friend, Mid Stutsman is the gifted photographer. She has recently created calendars and cards with her work and powerful writing. These are being sold at her cost plus postage. For more information you may visit Mid's facebook page at Mid Stutsman or write her at midspoint@hotmail.com. Christmas is just around the corner. Just sayin'...

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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page for a special treat. I found an interpretive dance performed to Mary's Song, Breath of Heaven. It's powerful! You might want to have some tissues handy.