It was nearly 40 years ago.
Hard to believe. I sit here planning exciting new adventures for FREEDOM TOUR 2021 and a familiar hymn takes me back to the day I publicly began my journey with Jesus. It was a simple ceremony, and I got to choose a favorite song. An obvious choice captured the spirit of the occasion.
From 1871-73 Horatio Spafford suffered a series of unimaginable personal losses that might have sent most folks over the edge. Given my journey to that unlikely spot, I identified with both the lyrics and the circumstances that inspired them:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
The ensuing 4 decades have been tumultuous and triumphant. I wish I could say I’ve always been at peace, that I’ve always lived out the simple, naïve faith I proclaimed so long ago. I wish I could say I’ve always been grateful, never doubted, never wanted to give up. I wish, but the truth is I’ve faltered and stumbled more times than I can count.
I can say, though, that I’ve always known I wasn’t alone. Even at the lowest of the lowest times when I was certain it was time to quit, I KNEW the most important part of me would always be okay. Even when I wasn’t consciously aware, when I couldn’t say it aloud in the midst of despair and pain, I knew it was always well with my soul.
I pray you know that as well.