I will sing of Your mercy

I watched the story of Joannie Rochette unfold through TV coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. I don't know anything about her life outside of what I saw on these short TV spots, and had never heard of her before these Olympics. But there is something in her story, of someone overcoming odds, that grips you in moments like these. And I can relate to losing your mother, such a strong support, at such a momentous time in your life. I will, of course, never be an Olympic athlete, but my mom died during the time that I was studying in South Africa, learning about the world and my place in it, right before I graduated from college - the same univeristy she graduated from. Not to have her at my graduation was heartbreaking. Her death was sudden and I was unprepared to face the world after graduation on my own. So, I can empathize with what it must have been like for Joannie to skate on the world stage having just lost her mom. I was so proud of her performance. She skated beautifully and courageously, and the grace with which she carried herself in the midst of all the media attention was inspiring. God bless and keep you, Joannie.


Photo from: http://digitalcitizen.ca/2010/02/26/joannie-rochette-wins-figure-skating-olympics-bronze-medal-in-inspirational-skate/


Valley Song - Jars of Clay

You have led me to the sadness
I have carried this pain
On a back bruised, nearly broken
I'm crying out to you

I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy

When death like a Gypsy
Comes to steal what I love
I will still look to the heavens
I will still seek your face

But I fear you aren't listening
Because there are no words
Just the stillness and the hunger
For a faith that assures

Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia

While we wait for rescue
With our eyes tightly shut
Face to the ground using our hands
To cover the fatal cut

And though the pain is an ocean
Tossing us around, around, around
You have calmed greater waters
Higher mountains have come down

Yeah

Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia alleluia, alleluia

Oh, Lord sing of Your mercy,
Mercy
Your mercy