No pain, no gain

Little girl, statuesque

sunlight gives you pearls for earrings

Mama tending

stock still child,

"Ouch!"

What is desirable that costs nothing? What is desirable that does not require some sacrifice? The braids in my niece's hair were worth the pulling and tugging. It was worth it to me today to be scratched by the mama cat just to see a kitten. Healing is worth it to me even though it re-breaks the already translucent thin fibers of my mending heart.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Psalm 126:5

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me

Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

~ Stronger, Mandisa ~