Thanks to my friend, Scott Bolinder, for sending me the link to Chris Tomlin’s “I will rise!” I’ve played and replayed it again and again in the raw grief over the loss of my dad when the victory of Christ is more precious than ever.
In his earthshaking Genesis commentary, Walter Brueggeman writes of the “Easter laugh”—the surprising joy of life-long barren Sarah at the new life that issues from her dead womb. Sarah’s joyous outburst foreshadows the victory laugh of resurrection—the solid hope of those who follow Jesus.
This comforts me.
If you have trouble viewing this video, go here.
Carolyn Custis James 
Dear Carolyn,
My deepest sympathy and prayers to you as you mourn the loss of your beloved dad.
I have heard this Chris Tomlin song many times but never listened to it considering the loss of a loved one. It was like hearing the song again for the first time, and it was salve to my soul as I thought of my dear mother who went to heaven 5 years ago.
I often found comfort, too, in these words from Mercy Me's song, “Homesick:”
“I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again.”
Praying for you dear sister in Christ,
Jodi
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Thanks Jodi. Thinking of your mother underscores that the grief of losing a beloved parent is lasting. Glad this comforted you too.
CJ
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So glad we have the victory over death through Christ or the loss would be truly unbearable!
Though I've experienced “some” (though not “all”, as we each experience grief differently) of what you are going through, I still find there are no words to adequately comfort another mourning this loss.
My heart aches for you.
I know without a doubt the Great Comforter will sustain you and draw you even closer to Himself in the midst of your grief.
Jodi
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My friend, Angus McDonald, posted this amazing comment on FaceBook:
“Thank you Carolyn for sharing this. EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED. Not only do we have a holy defiance against death but the perpetrator of sin which brings death. Thank God that, while night is rising its time is brief and a holy dawning will come at last. Even so, come Lord Jesus!!!”
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Thanks so much for posting this, Carolyn. It was especially poignant to hear the words of peace even “though my heart and flesh may fail” after receiving the news yesterday on Samuel's heart. The events of the past months in our spiritual and physical families have been wonderful reminders that this world is not our home. How comforting to know “that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus.” I don't know about you, but I cannot wait!
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Praying for you and Samuel. You have both been so wonderful to my dad, and my mother treasures your friendship. Praise God that we face adversity with rock solid hope and a glorious future that won't be denied. And we will laugh!
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I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad:(. The comfort of songs like this is enormous! I pray that every day Our loving, tender Father will cup your cheeks in His warm hands and look directly in your eyes to keep your mind, heart and emotions fixed on His mercy & grace, faithfulness and promises. Your Dad is now in the balcony of Heaven I believe interceding for the grace of Jesus' to be birthed in the hearts of all people. You are loved. Carolyn in Florida:) xoxo
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Thanks Cindy. Your words mean a lot, as I know you're walking the path of grief too. It is a gift to know the hope and comfort we have in Christ, although the ache persists.
Love back to you, my friend!
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HI i am visiting to let you know i appreciate your two books i read. the latest is Lost Women and i wrote a review of it on my blog!
so sorry to hear about dad. May Peace envelop all of ya.
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Thanks Jenni. Glad you liked the books and are encouraging others to read them.
CJ
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