It’s Alright, Everything Will Be Okay
I don’t know about you but “sheltering in place” at home in Gig Harbor, Washington was not where I intended to be today as we prepare to celebrate Easter.
Like you, my calendar is full of crossed out dates for meetings, dinners and other get togethers including our Anchor gatherings, all on temporary hold until our current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 change. All of the uncertainty can threaten to dampen our excitement for the celebration of Easter, a joyous occasion.
Easter has always been a special time for me. The message of hope in Jesus and His amazing love and sacrifice is what The Anchor was founded on. Ten years ago, Easter took on an additional and very significant meaning for me. In April of 2010, at the age of nineteen, my oldest daughter, Karina Jean, was fighting for her life against a vicious leukemia.
I remember being at the Easter service at our church in Gig Harbor as a series of graphic drawings were displayed depicting the last days of Jesus’ life. The one picture that struck a chord with me was an image of Jesus’ mother Mary sitting near the cross where Jesus hung suffering and dying. I felt Mary’s pain and anguish SO strongly as I too had been witnessing my own precious child suffering and dying. I had a bond with Mary in that moment that still comforts me today.
Karina was diagnosed with leukemia on her last day of eighth grade at the age of 14. She too was anchored in the Easter message of hope. Her words to me in the hospital that very first night were: “Mom, it’s alright. Everything will be okay. If the worst happens, I will be with Grammie Jean (my mom who had passed away) and Jesus.” Despite her circumstances, Karina held to God’s amazing love and His promise of eternal life.
Shortly after Karina passed away, I heard a song by Brandon Heath, one of our family favorite Christian musicians, that was so special. I thought he had written the lyrics just for me as they spoke so loud and clear and have helped to encourage me more than I can say. I hope they can be an encouragement to you today.
“It’s Alright” by Brandon Heath
Tiny boat on an angry sea, sails torn and tattered
How could Jesus be fast asleep, like it doesn’t matter.
Soon as He opens His eyes, the storm just dies.
It’s alright, everything will be okay
You just hold tight, I’ll be with you the whole way
When you’re weak, I’ll be strong, keep going, we’re almost home
It’s alright, everything will be okay
Mother Mary’s got a broken heart, from the words they’re saying
Her baby boy’s being torn apart, by the world He’s saving
He says, Mother, don’t cry for me, you know where I’ll be
It’s alright, everything will be okay
You just hold tight, I’ll be with you the whole way
When you’re weak, I’ll be strong, keep going, we’re almost home
It’s alright, everything will be okay
No promise of an easy road, just a destination
Next time you forget your hope, somebody’s waiting
Soon as you open your eyes, you’ll realize
It’s alright, everything will be okay
You just hold tight, I’ll be with you the whole way
When you’re weak, I’ll be strong, keep going, we’re almost home
When you’re weak, I’ll be strong, keep going, we’re almost home
It’s alright, everything will be okay
