It is well with my soul.
Many of us are familiar with this well-loved hymn.
But did you know it's an old, beautiful song written after terrible loss and tragedy? The author, Horatio Spafford, had lost his only son at 2 years old (which would be the age of my sweet Judah!) and then later lost his 4 daughters in a shipwreck.
History tells us that his wife, Anna, survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone..." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters died.
Today's hand-lettered free printable is dedicated to my friend, Nancy. She is a mother of four ages 12 and under. Just a few weeks ago, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer after a very routine doctors appointment.
She has been give 3-6 months to live.
Nancy is a boisterous, faith-filled, hilarious woman; life and energy just spills out all over when you're around her. She is real. She is fighting. She is thankful.
She was recently caught singing: "It is well with my soul" after another round of chemo. Exhausted from the treatment and praising God.
Sometimes I don't understand prayer. Or how God works.
Or WHY.
WHY or WHO or WHAT is HAPPENING??
Here's what I know:
He has not left us alone.
He can make people whole.
He wept.
As I pray for her, I am clinging to these things.
Maybe you've known tragedy like this. I'm sorry. May you hang hope on your walls and it finds its way to your heart.
I want to be a woman who can sing this hymn. I don't care if it's through tears and fists and doubts. If a song is from the soul, then it's beautiful.
Keep singing, Nancy.