Reality check.

Sometimes, being a teacher is scary.  I was reminded today that the 1 year anniversary of the Newtown shooting is only 10 days away. 

I'd be a liar if I didn't confess that sometimes, the reality of what can and does happen in school leaves me literally shaking with fear.  As a teacher...as a mom...

And fear is big.  Fear is a monster.  Fear is the devil.

Sitting at my desk this morning, with this massive monster sitting on my chest, making it hard to breath, I reach out to my Savior with the most powerful weapons in my life...prayer, and music.  I pour out my heart to Him, turn my thoughts to His word, and turn on some praise music with hopes that He will speak to me.  He does not disappoint.  He speaks straight to my heart through the tiny speaker on my phone...no lie, these are some of the lyrics of the songs that played...in order...

"The Earth is Yours" by Gungor

Your voice it thunders
The oaks start twisting
The forest sounds with cedars breaking
The waters see You and start their writhing
From the depths a song is rising

Now it’s rising from the ground

Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord the earth is Yours and singing
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord
The earth is Yours

"Your Hands" by JJ Heller

When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands

When you walked upon the earth
You healed the broken, lost and hurt
I know you hate to see me cry
One day you will set all things right
Yeah, one day you will set all things right

"Your Great Name" by Natalie Grant

Every fear; has no place; at the sound of your great name
The enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of your great name

Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise your great name

"Come on my Soul" by Rend Collective Experiment

Come on my soul
Come on my soul
Let down the walls
And sing my soul

Come on,
 It's time to look up



Sometimes, the world is scary.  I won't pretend that it isn't.  But...God speaks, y'all.  And the power in His voice is so great that it sounds like many waters and scripture says that it breaks the cedars of Lebanon.  That's big power.  But it's nothing compared to the power that is in His heart, beating for us.  The power in His voice is a gentle breeze compared to the full force of His overwhelming love.  And the Earth is His...and one day, He will set all things right...and at the name of Jesus, the enemy has to leave...so come on, my soul, my friends.  Let's sing.  It's time to look up.  Not because we're not afraid, but because of the incredible God who goes before, surrounds on every side, and covers us in every way with love that is stronger and more powerful than any fear.  Fear has no place.  His perfect love has cast it out.

Selah.
A