The Storyteller |
A few days ago, I walked outside after one of Iowa's frequent summer thunderstorms. The sun emerged from behind the clouds and this perfect rose glowed with beauty, the drops of rain still clinging between her petals. It brought to memory one of my mother's favorite hymns -- one she would often quote when I had storms in my young life: Back of the Clouds by Carolyn R. Freeman Never fear tho' shadows dark around your path may fall; Do not let your heart be troubled; From His throne in heaven, God is watching one and all, He will ever care for you. Chorus Back of the clouds the sun is always shining, After the storms your skies will all be blue; God has prepared a rosy-tinted lining, Back of the clouds it's waiting to shine thru. Winter long is over and the spring has gone her way, Often has the storm clouds gathered, But the rain has only made the blossoms look more gay... Given earth a brighter hue. Keep the light of hope eternal dwelling in your heart, Rest upon the Father's promise, And you'll find that care and trouble will depart... Heaven's peace will enter in. God never promises there won't be storms in our lives. But He does promise: He will be with us in the storm: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And through the rivers, they will not overflow. Isaiah 43:2 He will give us strength to endure: He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Isaiah 40:29 His blessings never run out: This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail, They are new every morning; Great is thy faithfulness. Whatever storm you are going through right now, may you have the peace of God's promises, and the assurance that, back of the clouds, the Son shines for you.
3 Comments
Diane T. Holmes
7/20/2020 04:38:46 pm
Wonderful words, Susan! Thanks for sharing!
Reply
Wendy R Highsmith
7/20/2020 10:17:32 pm
This is perfect. Whenever I fly above the clouds, it's always amazing to me that the sun is shining where I am, but not on the earth below me. I have wondered how to express this phenomenon and you did so beautifully. Thank you for these words of hope. I had not heard of that hymn before.
Reply
Susan Lawrence
7/22/2020 09:17:51 am
Wendy, I can still hear my mom singing that chorus. That's the only part I remember she sang. She had a lovely voice and always sang while she worked - which was pretty much all her waking hours.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorSusan Lawrence taught elementary school for 33 years before hanging up her chalkboard to write and speak. She writes novels for both adults and middle grade children. Susan lives in Iowa with her husband and short-legged Lab, Molly. She has 3 children and 7 grandchildren who love to hear her stories. Archives
October 2021
Categories |