MUSIC


To Encouragement Page

May - August 2018: The Sunnyview Rehab days.

Unstoppable God — by Sanctus Real

"I wish I knew when this mountain 

in my way is gonna move,

I hope it's ok to tell the truth.

Sometimes the doubt starts to win . . .

Right now my struggle is all I see."

Unstoppable God touched my heart deeply--especially early on when my hope was fragile. I sensed that someone else was intimate with sorrow and understood my aches, doubts, and weaknesses. The song pleaded with me not to listen to the lies that said it couldn't be done or that our story would certainly end in defeat. The song encouraged me not to give up but to claim God's promise that He is mightier than my struggles and is not afraid of impossible odds.                                                                                   ~Sarah~

May - August 2018: The Sunnyview Rehab days.

Tomorrow — by Unspoken

"I don't know what tomorrow holds,

 I'm learning how to let it go.

 Come and take the fear away till there's nothing left but faith.

 I know You will help me face tomorrow."

Tomorrow—Our tomorrow was a vast and unpredictable future. Each day had its big question mark, and the unknown threatened to break me. It didn't matter how strong my will or resolve was; I was in danger of crumbling under the stress unless someone trustworthy, powerful, and able to do so promised to carry my burden—and for me, that was God.

It was, and still is, a process to relinquish my worries and not take them back when I don't trust God or don't like the process or his timeline. 

Dear God, remove my unbelief and help me to let go. I choose to believe you will help me face my tomorrows. Amen

May - August 2018: The Sunnyview Rehab days.

Thank you Lord — by Dan Burgess

I thank You Lord

for the trials that come my way,

in that way, I can grow each day

as I let You lead . . . .


But it goes against the way I am,

to put my human nature down,

and let the spirit

take control of all I do.

Thank You Lord—his song's wistful mood matched my soul's rhythm for much of the first year after Matt’s injury--when dark clouds of doubt and uncertainty hung in the air—offering no guarantees, no promises, no clearly marked roadmap leading to victory. It went against my human nature to trust God was in control and not make demands of Him, but I did my best. Learning to find joy in celebrating the simplest of accomplishments motivated me to keep going. 

Today, “Thank You Lord” transports me back to the long days in the ICU, Sunnyview Rehab, and home. An orchestra of emotions, muted with time, resonates within as I remember those difficult days, and melancholy settles around me—close and intimate again. But that’s OK. It doesn’t threaten me like it once did when it caused me to question my ability to step into the moment and not crumble, to persevere, and not give up.


This melancholy is like an old friend reminding me of the relationship we once had with heartache and sorrow. I’m not ready to bid it farewell. We’ve come so far, and I am humbled when I consider what could have been. I am grateful for God’s steadfast presence guiding and encouraging me to step out in faith, to believe in miracles, and pursue happy endings.                                                                                                       ~Sarah~

Posted: 4/22/24

               Never — by Tasha Layton

When this broken world is breaking me down

When my tears and knees both fall to the ground

When my questions make me doubt You more than ever

You remind me that Your answer is always “never…” 


Never forgotten, never forsaken

Never abandoned, not for a second 

Matt's situation is so much better than anticipated—yet I want so much more for him and our family. I'm antsy to celebrate the next big victory--say, a job for Matt. At times, waves of disappointment threaten to submerge my hope. It's easy to get caught up in my thoughts and forget to bring everything, big and small, to God in prayer. 

This song reminded me that our family is never forgotten and never forsaken. God has a plan and is in control.                                     ~Sarah~

Posted: 6/5/24

      Don't Stop Praying — by Matthew West

What's your impossible? Your "I need a miracle"

What's got you barely hanging by a single thread?

What looks so hopeless now? 

What weighs down your heart with doubt?


Don't stop praying, Don't stop calling on Jesus' name

Keep on pounding on Heaven's door . . . . 

'Cause mountains move with just a little faith

And your Father's heard every single word you're saying

So, don't stop praying

Six years, yet still so many ifs & questions:      

Is the miracle still alive?

I have so many dreams and aspirations for Matt.


  ~Sarah~

Posted: 6/5/24

Worn — by Tenth Avenue North

I'm tired

I'm worn

My heart is heavy

From the work it takes to keep on breathing


Let me see redemption win

Let me know the struggle ends

That You can mend a heart that's frail and torn

Worn-