Girl Among the Graves

Sunday was an emotionally difficult day for me. Normally church lasts for three hours but immediately after the Sacrament prayer amen I jumped up and made a beeline out the door before anyone in our large congregation of more than 200+ people had even stood up from their pews.

I knew exactly where I was going with all the turmoil that consumed my troubled spirit. I was headed to the cemetery. Oh, sure, I know what you're thinking. She is one strange woman. Well, I suppose I am! But I have long felt that cemeteries are sacred places.

Photo I took of Tyler as he helped
his sons get ready for a funeral.

My beloved brother-in-law, Tyler was buried at this cemetery.
He died when he was 30. Leaving a young pregnant widow and3 boys under the age of 8. Heart complication (from his pacemaker). Tyler was such a dear and trusted friend to me. He was so tremendously kind to my husband and children, and I learned so many things.

Tyler holding my (now 19-year-old) baby at the small family
birthday luau we had when he turned 1. 

One of the greatest lessons he taught me was to relax and let people do their own thing. This advice was offered in my stress of hosting (in our old family home-- the gathering place) mass amounts of the family for a funeral and feeling so stressed in wanting to meet the needs of all the guests, but not knowing how because they had their own quirks of how they did things. I was calmed by his advice that day and many years since.

His grave is the dearest family I have buried here. My beloved Mom is buried in central Utah, and I'm unable to go that far.

The face of misery. :(

Tyler was a true friend to me, so going to his grave makes me feel at home. Haha... yes, at home among the graves!

I unhappily stormed out of my church building and walked uphill many blocks in my small, hilly town. I can't tell you exactly how I felt (which is very important to me). I guess it was a mix of fear, anger, and sadness. I wanted to feel numb, but then the thought struck me that I was not walking along, but that I had a band of loving angels surrounding me in my sorrow. That thought caused the tears to well up. Though I fought that emotion. Anger is a less vulnerable emotion, you know?!

But I allowed my heart to soften and "listened" and contemplated as I sat on (and then by) Tyler's headstone. I did a lot of praying and soul-searching. I pleaded with God to know if I'd been living the right way and doing things to please Him. I wanted assurance that I was right before God. I wanted to understand what was happening. I wanted to know a lot of things. But as God often does, I got some sweet assurances, but I did not have ALL my questions answers.

I've always wished I actually
would look sad, instead of
looking mad.
I assure you I'm not
mad-- like I look here!
Just very sad. It's a good reminder
not to judge people
by their expressions! ;)

Some of these assurances came in the form of remembering. Like remembering the beautiful talk by Elder Wirthlin "Come What May and Love it."

I snapped this just after hearing the song "On Eagle's Wings,"as I walked out of the cemetery. 
I did feel a little better, but this is the best smile I could muster. 

As I turned to leave the cemetery and walk back for the last 15 minutes of church, I smiled and expressed prayerful gratitude when into my thoughts played a Michael Crawford song: "I'll raise you up on Eagle's Wings"



1. You who dwell in the shelter of our God,
who abide in this shadow for life,
say to the Lord: 'My refuge, my Rock in whom I trust!'

Refrain:
'And I will raise you up on eagle's wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of my hand.'

2. The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under God's wings your refuge,
God's faithfulness your shield.

Refrain

3. You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day;
though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come.

Refrain

4. For to God's angels is given a command
to guard you in all of your ways,
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Refrain

'...and [I will] hold you, hold you in the palm of my hand.'

========================

I'd been fasting that day that I'd have the strength to bear my complex emotions. I also was fasting for my sister, and also a dear friend in need. I am uncertain as to how they were blessed, but when I returned to church I felt a considerable calm to my concerns. I was able to stand among friends and act with a pleasantness I could not have otherwise done. I felt so thankful that the power of God can work in our lives as we look to him. 

I don't have all the answers. 

I don't know where things will go from here. 

I don't know how all the complexities will play out. 

What I do know is that whether I walk in sunshine or storm, I will walk with God. 

May we seek Him in all we do. He has the power to heal and redeem us. Let us trust Him with every fiber of our being!

~Christine

P.S. A Bonus Songs to offer you Courage:)

#MyHopeisYouAlone #EvenifYouDon't #ItisWellWithMySoul #JesusiWillCling2You

#TheJourneyAheadisBeautiful #withGod #LoveseesFartherthanyouevercould #atthisMomentHeavensworkingeverything4yourownGood #TellyourHeart2beatagain #stepintoHislightofGrace

Day 91 of 365 days of Solace: Heroes

I had this song play into my thoughts a little while ago. I haven't heard this since I was a little girl! And I don't think this song is coincidence. I needed this heavenly reminder that I don't need to be afraid. I just need to answer God's call to serve and love those around me, and he will help me to become the person that I need to be. For in truths, "heroes are not born, heroes are made." I want to be a righteous hero in this world.

Never flinch, boys, never be afraid, Heroes are not born, boys, heroes all are made. Ask not why, boys, never say die, boys, Answer the call, remember we'll all be heroes forever more.

I also stumbled across this quote today:

“Every minute of my life I am conscious of the presence of God. Why, then, need I fear anyone?” – M.K. Gandhi today, and how true it is!

I trust Heavenly Father to my care, and I continually am reminding myself that he will help me through any trial in my life, IF I dedicate my life and time to Him. 

Things are not always fair, and in my case that is so very true, but I will keep fighting against how I've been wronged by leaving it in the hands of God instead of allowing myself to fight against injustices.  In the end none of this will matter.

Don't give in to the negative voices- God's voice speaks peace and hope, and encourages us to change for the better.  Any other voices that belittle you or hurt you are NOT of God.

Keep up the fight for right, 

Christine

Day 73 of 365 days of solace: Visit with an Angel

Tonight I visited with an angel.  She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and a gentle spirit.  She is not an
angel from heaven, but a fellow classmate.  Her name is Melanie, and she gave me a ride home from class.  As we drove we talked about our class that night, and our essays, and how much we love the program.

Somewhere in the midst of talking we grew deeper and more reflective of life.  As she drove up to my house she parked and we visited a few minutes more.  But those few minutes turned into hours.  In those hours we shared deeply personal experiences of life, abuses, personal failures, and heartbreak.  But, best of all, we shared our testimony of how Heavenly Father has helped to lift us up to higher places of safety in our life.  Places by which we can see a more expansive view of eternity.

It was a sweet time of bonding, and understanding.  I saw how even though our lives are anything but perfect, nor easy, that Heavenly Father is directing us to change for the better.  She shared how she used to sob over what a failure she was as a Mom, and that she felt horrible at her terrible lifestyle, but how Heavenly Father helps her to not get hung up on those memories of who she was.  Now, instead, He helps her to see and remember just how far she has come. He hasn't removed all her depression, but He has helped removed the depth of it.  She is doing things now (like going to school, and teaching in church sometimes) which she never could have done in the past.

In parting, I said how I always walk away from a situation and feel worried about having shared to much, but that I don't think I'd be worried this time.  I was absolutely surprised when she confirmed that she did that all the time too.  I've never had anyone say they felt that way.  Melanie said something that really touched my heart when she said, "Oh, you don't have to feel that way tonight, because I know I wont."  She continued, "I know your heart, and while there are some differences in our experiences I feel like we have really connected and understand each other. I know I can trust you with what I've said."

Hearing that she trusted me was music to my ears. I am a very genuine, trusting person.  Sometimes I've regretted that because some people don't earn the right to be trusted.  And sometimes it has been so very hurtful when people act like I can't be trusted, or taken at face value, when I know with everything in me that I can be trusted. When people don't know my heart, and are unkind with me I feel like a confused child. I wonder what I did wrong to portray that message, when I acted or spoke with no malice or guile.

As I've gotten more mature I realize that the perspectives people have about me are general based on their own insecurities and inadequacies and that I can try to learn from their responses, but that I don't need to doubt myself, even if they may doubt me.

But to hear Melanie, with all the sincerity of her soul, say that she trusted me was a special coin of memory placed withing my heart. I know I am trustworthy, which is what makes it all the more special.

As I walked into my home nearing 11 pm, I smiled and thanked Heavenly Father for blessing me with the opportunity to get to know Melanie better, for helping me see His hand in her life, and to feel that bond of sisterhood between we two women who want to know God better, love Him more, and learn
This unexpected opportunity was yet another tender mercy to remind me that Heavenly Father is directing my life, and that He has beautiful plans in store.

I hope that you will prayerfully look for ways that will help you see that God is orchestrating your life- especially during the times when you allow him to lead you through the days and nights of uncertainty.

Love, Christine

Day 70 of 365 days of solace: Sweet song and scripture of comfort

I decided to go up with my family into the canyon. It was last minute, impromptu stuff, which is the way of my artist self.  It took my husband some convincing because he'd had a long, hard day at work.  But ultimately he drove all 7 of us into the canyon.  :)

By the time we got there it was raining!  But we found a site that we love, and it had slowed to a light drizzle.  Another nice man said he, his wife, and son were done with their small gas grill and we could borrow it.  They were going to hang around a while.  I took him up on the offer and he brought the table top grill over to out table.

What a tender mercy, I feel. It allowed us to eat more quickly, not have to search for fire wood that wood burn well, etc... Best of all, we could still enjoy the mountain experience, but get the children home in time for an early bed on a school night.

It was nice to get out of the house, and try to set aside my pressing worry.  I am feeling better today because I've been able to delay something for a couple of weeks. Hopefully by that time a miracle happens, or I'm stronger to face what I think is the inevitable. :(  I was really blessed with the peace of God last night to be at peace. I had my consuming fear removed.  I didn't sleep perfectly, because I did a lot of praying.  But that's fine. I'd rather pray and increase in feelings of trust and peace toward God, than try to deal with my personal suffering alone.

I believe God especially directs and blesses his children and they "incline" their ears and hearts toward Him.

Daniel 9:1818 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

A few minutes ago I was worried about something, and as I prayed this song quietly came into my thoughts. I don't think I've heard this song in 20 years. It is very sweet, and reminds me that the Spirit of God can bless and direct me if I seek him, listen, and follow His words.


I hope you have faith and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I hope that you prayerfully seek to see the world through the eyes of faith and trust- knowing that God will not fail you.

Let us listen to the "Still, Small voice of God.,
Christine

Day 15 of 365 days of solace: Monday- Insights into Ether 3- glowing stones and journey to promised land

Tonight, during our family scripture study, we were reading in The Book of Mormon- in the book of Ether Ether 6:2-17  to be exact.  I was very surprised at some some symbolic insight I gained. This is a story about a family traveling toward their promised land, and the Lord helps to prepare them for their journey, and also helps to ensure all the little details of safety and well being are first worked out--- Just like he did for us, before we began our journey here to earth!!

I have bolded and highlighted scriptural points. The regular formatting are some of my feeling and personal insights of the scriptures.  This is not interpretive law- these insights are merely my understanding of God's blessings, but I leave the potential open that you may take away a different perspective.  Read it with a prayer in your heart, to get insights to help you in your life. :)

 2 For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels

3 And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.

Heavenly father gives us stones of truth to our light our way through the darkness of this world. We read and hear this truth through scriptures, prayer, Prophets, apostles, and sources of righteousness.

4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. 

5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. 

6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. 

7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

Buried, to me, is symbolic of baptism! Baptism is a covenant-- a promise from God to His children. I love that it says that "no water....could hurt them" for their vessels were waterproof, because of appropriate preparedness! When we are sufficiently prepared, we are shielded and defended against the power of the adversary, and God will protect us. It doesn't matter how we are encompassed about by the waters (trials) of life, Heavenly Father will "bring (us) forth again upon the top of the waters." These are promises of God! He will deliver us to safety!

8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.

Waters of faith!

As we remain faithful to Heavenly Father, and place our lives in his hands, and literally and figuratively allow him to encompass us in his vessel of safety, he will direct us toward our promised land. If the people hadn't of gotten in the boat, they would have shown their lack of trust- BUT, they prepared, they entered into the boat (compared to how we enter into covenants with Heavenly Father). They turned their life over to God, and showed Heavenly Father complete trust!

9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.

I love to read that they sang! I know that singing can mean to pray...but I think this was literal singing! And those songs were beautiful songs of praise to Heavenly Father. Songs which were always in their hearts!

I think there is a correlation of song and righteousness...that might be partial, because I love music, and song! But I do know there is music in heaven, because the angels sing to me daily! Of course, scriptures say "a prayer of the heart is a song unto the Lord." I hope that, even in my darkest hours of life, that I will have the voice to sing praises to the Lord.

10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

I love this! I love seeing how "no monster of the sea could break them." I love reading that they had "light continually (even when things were going well- they still had revelation)!" The light of the Spirit can be our constant companion, as we are righteous. It doesn't matter how dark our lives, or how overshadowed by grief, worry, or pain-- we have access to the light of God continually, and he will protect us from any monsters that would seek to destroy. I am thankful for that blessing. Even at this time of sadness in my life, I feel those promises fulfilled, and I TRUST Heavenly Father. I will be protected, and brought forth to my promised land!

11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water. 

12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord,  because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

Humble before God

I love that as soon as "had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."

They had not lost their vision of God's goodness and mercy. They prioritized their life and made sure that Heavenly Father came first. If we would do more of this, we would grow in our capacity to hear the word of the Lord.

17 And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord; and they were also taught from on high. 

I hope to teach my children to "walk humbly before the Lord," so that they too maybe "taught from on high." Revelation from on high is a gift from God, and is far greater than any earthly source of truth!

I am thankful for the blessings of gospel covenants, righteous examples of men and women of faith, and music. I am thankful that I have the gift of life, so that I can sing to the Lord.  I am praying that I will grow in my trust of God, and learn how to sing songs of praise- even in my darkest hours of life.

I hope you will join me in songs of praise!
Christine.

GET YOUR FREE BOOK OF MORMON HERE- SO YOU CAN READ THIS STORY, and OTHER AMAZING STORIES OF GODS LOVE. 

https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon 

Be the Children....

In my recent studies of the scriptures, I was interested to read references to our being like children:

"That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven..." 3 Nephi 12:45

I find it interesting that it doesn't say, "that ye may grow out of your childhood, into independent adults, or, worse yet, rebellious teenagers" but it instead references us as children.

I really like these two other references to children, though there are plenty more.

Moroni 8:17

"7 And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation."

"...become as a little child," (3 Nephi 11:37-38)

====

What might we consider, and learn from in this simple line, "be the children" or "become as a little child"--  unrelated to specifically related scriptures?

Well, we could first ask; Whose children are we?  Answered, in reference, we clearly know, "I am a child of my 'Father who is in heaven.'"

Other questions I think of:

• Why should we be like children?
• Does God really want us to be like children?
• What are the qualities of children?
• Is there a difference of acting childish, versus acting like a child?
• Do I act like a childlike? Or do I act childish?

Definition of childlike: resembling or suggesting a child : like that of a child; especially : having or showing the pleasing qualities (such as innocence) that children often have 

:  resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child or childhood; especially :  marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness <childlike delight>

When you think of positive qualities of children, what do you think of?

Off the top of my head I think of most children as happy, trusting, loving, sweet, believing, admiring of beauty, curious, teachable, flexible, forgiving.

And then I ask myself. 

• Am I happy?
• Am I trusting?
• Am I loving?
• Am I sweet?
• Am I believing?
• Am I admiring of beauty?
• Am I curious?
• Am I teachable?
• Am I flexible?
• Am I forgiving?

You may ask, "Okay, so children usually are a soft, sweet, ball of love and goodness, with bright eyes, and open manner and expressiveness- what does that have to do with me, and the scriptures?"

It has everything to do with the scriptures. I really think he wants us to be like  children, all while maintaining the need to also be caregivers ourselves to our children, grand-children, peers, and anyone who comes across our path. I think he really wants us to learn to see the world again- through the eyes of a child!

I think that God, our Heavenly Father wants us to ask ourselves those questions regularly. I think he wants us to ask ourselves questions like this:

"If I have a Father in Heaven, what does that mean to me?"

"How can I ever be like a child?! I'm all grown up now, and I'm set in my ways. Not to mention, I'm made some big mistakes. I could never be like a children, can I?!"

Let's prayerfully explore some answers to those questions.

When you needed help growing up, who did you go to?

When you were hurt, who did you go to?

When you felt sad, sick, lonely, or tired, who did you go to?

I hope that you are able to think of someone, who cared for you. (Though, I sadly acknowledge that too

many of you may have had sad childhoods, I am not able to address that here.) I hope you can think of a Mother, Father, Grandmother or Grandfather, Sister, or Brother, who cared for you! 

I hope that you, my readers, felt safe, and cared for growing up-- with food to eat, a safe shelter, and warm, comfortable clothes to protect you.  Most of all, I hope you felt loved. Deeply, and truly loved, by the care of those over your protection.  When we consider the qualities of children and their relationship with their parents(or caregivers), we realized that they are dependent upon the direction and care of our Father or Mother. 

What I also find so interesting, is that as children, they are generally able to forgive quickly (Of course, I realize that for children with mental health issues, this is not always the case.  But, we will focus on the "norm" for now.) It doesn't seem to matter if the offending adult yelled, spanked, or removed their favorite toy- under normal, and fairly healthy living conditions children are generally able to forgive and move forward in that relationship- feeling safe. *(see note at bottom on the serious flip-side of this)

I think this is why references of being like "a  little child," or "be the children" of our Heavenly Father is a directive for us.  

When a child is in need, who do they go to for help? Generally speaking, a Mother, or Father, or someone else, who has taken on the parent role in their impressionable life. The child innately knows who to turn to for help and direction. Just as children generally seek out a caregiver, we also need to seek out our Heavenly Father.  

If we loved a little child dearly, and they got hurt, would we want them to not come to us for help, and instead just cry off in a corner somewhere?  What if they were so badly hurt, because of a choice they made- so serious an injury that they could die--would we want them to come to us, or would we tell them to just die, because it's their fault?! 

If we are mental healthy, we would never say that to a child or anyone, for that matter.  We'd say, "Oh, I'm so sad that you are hurt. Come to me, and let me help you."

I know how hard it is to comprehend a just and merciful, loving, all-knowing God. I especially know how hard it is to understand that a father could be so tender and loving with me.  But, I have come to understand that the nature of God, or Father, is far more loving than I can completely understand.  Heavenly Father loves us, and through the voice of His son, Jesus Christ, we know His feelings for us, 

"Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

It doesn't matter, who you are, or where you've been in this life-- we must become like the sweet little children, whose faces are bright with hope and love in their eyes, and in the works of their heart.  We must look longingly toward Savior, Jesus Christ, and toward our Father in Heaven, and then, and only then can our burdens of sin be washed clean through the atoning power of Jesus Christ.

We can repent! We are loved! We are children of a perfect Father. Unlike some father's and mothers, our God will never fail us- but we must reach out, and offer Him our hands and our lives to take us gently by the hand and lead us along.

If you don't know where to start, please leave a message, comment to me, or visit: www.mormons.org

Let us focus our energies on developing the qualities of those precious children around us, so that we may have the hearts and minds to be "young and heart!" Let us also strengthen the children, and ourselves, by praying daily, and being quick to love, and quick to find beauty.  

My blogpost, is not even remotely all encompassing, but I would encourage you to pray with all your heart for God, the Father to help guide your life, so that you can learn how to improve whatever situation you are in.  

We all have room to improve. 

We all have things to learn.  

We all need to learn to be flexible to change and to the will of our Father.  

We all have cuts and injuries (literal and figurative), which need to be healed.  

Through Heavenly Father's son, Jesus Christ- we have all the help we will ever need.  

As we each seek the Lord, and seek his help, he will lead us home to Him.  

I pray that our ours will be open to the needs of the children around us.  

I pray that we will see everyone through the eyes of a loving Father in Heaven. 

I pray we will bend our will, and our knees in prayer, that we will know of His will for us, INDIVIDUALLY! 

Psalms 71:2

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

God will listen to us, as we seek Him. If we incline (lean toward him) and listen, he will help us to overcome, and ultimately we will escape the dangers of this life- all through His power.

May you feel His love and joy upon your heart, as you seek to see the world through bright, and thankful eyes of a child.

Christine

A note about Abuse=======

* I understand what volatile, danger care givers can do to the life of a child.  The affects can be very damaging, and don't grow out of a person, just because they "grow up.  Harm for men, women, and children requires extra help. All children should be blessed to feel safe, and as caregivers, it is our God given duty to care for the spirit children, whom he has loaned us to care for and keep safe.  

I personally understand the harm that comes of abuse.  In children it leads to issues of insecurity and extreme levels of mistrust, which can last through adulthood. I know, because I was that child.  I didn't voice my fears at 7, but I knew where I felt safe- which was generally a dark closet, or a bush, or box. Here are some symptoms to look for in abused children (They didn't list things like hiding in dark closets, or never leaving a bedroom for hours or days on end, but I KNOW those are symptoms of a problem, because that's where I spent too many hours.)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/basics/symptoms/CON-20033789

Please know that Heavenly Father works miracles, but He also expects us to leave situations that are dangerous to ourselves, and/or our children!  

I have seen God's miracles in my life, and He has helped me change my mind from a depressed unhappy person, to a happy, hopeful person- but it came at a price of sacrifice. I had to make a lot of changes, and reach out to health care professional, bishops, family, and friends, to help me learn how to make the changes that I needed to make, which were in direct relation to my childhood abuse.  

But whether you were abuse, or had a great childhood, and have just made some really bad choices- please understand--- No one,--

and I repeat NO ONE-- deserves to be abused in any form! It doesn't matter what you've done, or what you think you've done--  You are worth being treated right! 

There are counselors, and church clergy, community resources, family and friends, who can be a source of safety and starting a new life.  

IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP-- Open 24 HOURS--

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 

1(800-422-4453).

"If you're concerned that your child or another child has been abused, seek help immediately.

If the child needs immediate medical attention, call 911 or your local emergency number. Depending on the situation, contact the child's doctor, a local child protective agency, the police department, or a 24-hour hotline such as Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (800-422-4453).

As an aside, I discovered this song yesterday, and I didn't quite understand what it meant. Now meaning to songs are often dependent upon our experiences and perspectives, but the message of this Mother, resonated deeply with me. I hope she stuck to her hard choice and did what was best for her children!  I will share the song, lyrics, and her interpretation.  

In high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend,
I'm gonna be your friend.
In high tide or in low tide,
I'll be by your side,
I'll be by your side.

(I heard her praying, praying, praying)
I said, I heard my mother,
She was praying (praying, praying, praying)
And the words that she said (the words that she said),
They still linger in my head (lingers in my head),
She said, "A child is born in this world,
He needs protection,
God, guide and protect us,
When we're wrong, please correct us.
(When we're wrong, correct us).
And stand by me. " yeah!

In high seas or in low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend,
He said, "I'm gonna be your friend."
And, baby, in high tide or low tide,
I'll be by your side,
I'll be by your side.

I said I heard my mother,
She was crying' (I heard her crying'), yeah! (crying', crying'),
And the tears that she she'd (the tears that she shed)
They still linger in my head (lingers in my head)

She said: "A child is born in this world,
He needs protection,
God, guide and protect us,
When we're wrong, (when we're wrong), correct us.

And in high seas or low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend,
I'm gonna be your friend.
Said, high tide or low tide,
I'll be by your side,
I'll be by your side.

(interpretation)

M. S. L.

Nov 27, 2014 at 6:09 am

I heard this song for the first time tonight! I've prayed cried and kept asking god to show me if I had done right. I made one of the hardest choices in life as a mother. Chose to put aside my common sense in order to stand closer to all that matters to me my children my "reasons". Raising two boys 9 and 3 alone, thank you Jah for once again speaking to me. No longer wondering now I am sure that protection and guidance to them is the best choice. Like you said I will trust you to be my guide. Guide me outta the place where lies caused pain where there was wrong restore all the Right! Continue to remain in me as I trust in you to get me thru and together we will win this fight! I stand alone but not without you, I give you they're lives as I remember these lyrics, I pray you keep them in my heart that I'd always know you'll continue to inspire me though I cry and struggle you will always be the best guide.