theROCK

God is Alive

Sharing in the mission of Jesus is difficult; yet each one of us is called to do so. The notion of discipleship is a powerful one. To be a disciple means you strive to hold nothing back from your commitment to follow Jesus. Over the past year, my commitment to Christ was tested in major ways. I still struggle with many unanswered questions. In and through these difficult experiences I never said, “That’s it God, I don't want to continue to try and be a disciple for you”.

 Why? I have come to know against all odds that God is alive. He is my hope, deliverer, Lord, Savior. I am thankful for all of my life experiences whether difficult or joyous. They helped to shape me into His disciple. Just recently, I was introduced to a song that has become my “discipleship” anthem. It was a great help to me when facing a tragedy in my family. It’s called, “Raise a Hallelujah”.

 “I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me

I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

 I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!”

Do you have a discipleship song? Share it with us.

Whispers in the Heart

Mothers hold a very special place in our hearts and in world.

To say that my maternal mother, Jeanette, was a blessing is an understatement. My mom lived and carried herself as a role model of faith. She helped me to understand what a true disciple is. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized the sacrifices she made, and how faith was the constant in her life which sustained her. It was my grandparents who taught her about the works of mercy—what it means to care for those in need.

My mom learned that when you felt that you were at the end of your rope there is always hope. My mom was a widow at the age of 42 with 8 children to raise. I never felt that I lacked anything. I learned of her struggles and how the Lord came through for her in so many desperate times from the stories she shared later. Even now in heaven, she still is helping me and directing my path. I would say, “I love you mom,” and her response was always, “I love you more.” At times, I miss hearing that out loud but it still whispers in my heart.

As I have grown in my faith life, I have come to form a greater relationship with Mary, our Blessed Mother. She is a go-to person for me to ask for her intercession. She is a great example to me of how to be a humble servant. She shows me how to respond to God with great obedience to His plan. 

A third mother is St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta. In all aspects of her life she was a generous dispenser of divine mercy. Through her defense of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded, she modeled true discipleship. She is and always will be a model of holiness. 

Jesus, thank you for all the mothers you have placed in my life.