I heard this song on Sunday before mass and just after mass....
https://youtu.be/tIZitK6_IMQ (I hope I did this right)
Just Be Held
By Casting Crowns
Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will
And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
(Stop holding on and just be held)
Just be held, just be held
Just be held, just be held
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
(Stop holding on and just be held)
Just be held, just be held
Just be held, just be held
What do you think about this? The part that meant the most to me was "stop holding on and just be held". This goes back to one of my previous posts. When I pray, when I ask for help, am I ready to accept it? If I am asking Him to take away a problem, will I let it go?
When I do let go, do I allow Him to hold me? Or do I try to fix things, again?
I have always been a fixer in my life. If you have a problem, a concern or need help with something, I am there.... I will fix it. Even if it doesn't need fixing. If it caused someone pain, I wanted to fix it and take away the pain, the worry, the discomfort. The trouble with being a fixer though, is that while it is so easy for you to want to help others, it is a challenge to accept much less ask for help. In order not to be a burden to others, you may not express your needs.
I always wanted to fix, always wanted to make others happy, worry free. When my husband and I separated, I had nothing left in me. I couldn't help, I couldn't fix. There were times when I literally could not even lift my head off the bed because I had nothing left to give. I needed to be held....
I went to see my sister and parents in California and for four days they held me. I couldn't even make a decision about what to eat, I was empty..... God gave me the strength to drive to California so that I could be with my family who would just hold me. No questions, no deep conversations, they just loved me.... they didn't want anything from me, didn't need anything, they were just "there" for me.
For weeks leading up to these moments and weeks after, I cried everyday. I didn't understand (and still don't) why this is where my life is supposed to be. 33 years old, divorced with two children who didn't live to their first birthdays. It still makes me cry.....for so many reasons.
Back to the song....am I just holding on? Am I holding on to the pain because it is what I know best? Am I so stubborn and "independent" that I don't want to be seen as weak? Do I not think that I deserve to be held? I am the one that chose to leave, making it my fault. Is this pain and disorientation my punishment? These thoughts overwhelm my heart and my mind, sometimes to the point where all I can do is be held...my body, my soul is too worn out to do anything but lay there in His arms. I used to fight this until I had no strength left. Now it is welcome, I am so grateful to be able to fall apart, to fall into His arms and to rest.
It's funny, even now, at 33 years old, it still feels so good to sit on my mom's lap and be held. She gives me hugs with no expectations, just love...love....
Have you tried letting go? Really letting go? It is terrifying and often difficult, but what a relief.... It is okay to take a break tonight...give it to God...He will happily take it, but you have to let it go...