I wrote the poem below many years ago when I was living in Venezuela for eight months doing mission work. Over that time span, three young people who I knew back in the States died. I had never really dealt with death before, and it was especially hard being away from family and friends. I felt like I had barely started to process one death when I would get news of another. Writing this poem was an outlet for my grief. Wherever you are and whatever you’re going through, I pray it helps put words to your thoughts and feelings and brings healing.
SOAR
When the hurt is deeper than the ocean floor
And the pain takes your breath away
When you have no strength to stand
And can only slowly crawl
Crawl into the arms of the Father
Crawl into His embrace
He will engulf you with His love
When your world is shaking
And you can’t find steady ground
When you feel yourself slipping
And in your weakness fall
Fall at the feet of Jesus
Fall before His throne
He will pick you up
When your voice is raw from crying
And you don’t know what to pray
When you want to scream in anguish
And can only weakly whisper
Whisper the name of Jesus
Whisper a cry for help
He will answer your call
When the waves come crashing
And you find yourself tossed around
When you feel like you’re drowning
And in desperation grasp and reach
Reach up to the Father
Reach up to Him in faith
He will extend His hand
When you feel so all alone
And like no one knows your pain
When worries flood your mind
And you can barely hold on
Hold on to the Truth
Hold on to His promises
He will never leave you
When the road is long and hard
And you’re weary of the journey
When the promise of heaven seems distant
And you long to soar above
Soar above the storm
Soar on wings like eagles
He will carry you
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Dani Rupp grew up in a small town in Ohio and is a true Buckeye fan, though she tries not to be obnoxious about it. In 2011 she came to PA to earn her Master of Social Work degree. After graduation Dani accepted a position as a mental health therapist for children and adolescents in Coatesville. She was a nanny for several years as well. During that time she lived in Kennett Square and attended Willowdale Chapel. She returned several years ago from South Asia where she learned to tolerate spicy food and cross the roads without being hit, as well as volunteered with International Justice Mission in their Aftercare Department. In her free time, Dani enjoys going on mission trips/traveling, running, reading, and connecting with loved ones—preferably over coffee and a sweet treat.