In Christ Alone

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September 22nd, 2013. A day our family and others close to us do not forget. With each passing year I am still saddened by the loss of our son Elijah Dale Sweerin, but also so thankful to have the hope of heaven to look forward to. 9 years ago, we welcomed our son and said goodbye to him within a matter of minutes. Those of you who have experienced something similar can understand the shock, the disbelief, and the overwhelming sadness that so quickly floods your thoughts. Today was the first time we could actually walk out to the orchard as a family to remember him together.

That day truly shook my faith to the core. I had so many questions. So many frustrations. Yet it was so hard to put words to what I was even thinking. God knew I needed people filled with His Spirit and wisdom to surround me in those tender moments. These seeds that were planted were watered by others who continued to speak truth over our family. I am forever grateful that God was patient and gracious to me and continued to show me His love even when I didn't want to believe it. Today, as I listened to music to continue remind myself of these truths. This song came across my playlist, and it spoke so greatly to me. 

In Christ Alone - Shane & Shane (Lyric video) - YouTube

In Christ alone my hope is foundHe is my light, my strength, my songThis cornerstone, this solid groundFirm through the fiercest drought and stormWhat heights of love, what depths of peaceWhen fears are stilled, when striving ceaseMy Comforter, my All-in-AllHere in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone who took on fleshFullness of God in helpless babeThis gift of love and righteousnessScorned by the ones He came to save'Til on that cross as Jesus diedThe wrath of God was satisfiedFor every sin on Him was laidHere in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body layLight of the world by darkness slainThen bursting forth in glorious dayUp from the grave He rose againAnd as He stands in victorySin's curse has lost its grip on meFor I am His and He is mineBought with the precious blood of Christ
Christ the Lord
No guilt in life, no fear in deathThis is the power of Christ in meFrom life's first cry to final breathJesus commands my destinyNo power of hell, no scheme of manCan ever pluck me from His hand'Til He returns or calls me homeHere in the power of Christ I'll stand.


Elijah Dale Sweerin. You are loved, and we look forward to the day our family will be reunited with Christ. What a day that will be. What a glorious day that will be. Until that day, we pray that God will continue to strengthen us to continue to share and extend His love, His hope, and His grace to others. In Christ alone, we have found our help, our healing, and source of strength. 


 

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