The Only Way To Stand

The cover of the CD of the movie

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love the movie "Courageous".   I first saw the movie when I ordered it from my local cable's movies on demand.  I watched it 4 times within the next 24 hours and eventually purchased my own copy of the movie.  I was fascinated by the story of 5 men who made a resolution to live their lives by the Word of God.  In a formal ceremony, each of them took a pledge to be a better father, a better husband, a better man.  Each man was eventually tested to the limit of his resolve---the outcome is phenomenal.  It is a awesome movie.

One of the songs from the soundtrack of the movie, "Sing Your Song to Me" (sung by Third Day), became a favorite with me.  I purchased the soundtrack and I listen to it frequently.  Just this past week, I was just as struck by the words of the title song, also titled "Courageous".  The last line of the chorus says this:  "The only way we'll ever stand, is on our knees with lifted hands."

It seems an odd comment to make---that we must stand by kneeling, but if you think about it from a spiritual standpoint, it makes perfect sense.  When we kneel before the Lord, we are receiving strength, courage, direction.  We are recognizing that we cannot be what He needs us to be by attempting it on our own.  We need the Lord and we need His strength if we are to stand.

I must confess that as I listened to these words, I was reminded of own, dear father.  I have written many times about my father and the tremendous impact he has had on my life.  If I close my eyes and travel back in time, I can hear his booming voice calling my name in prayer---I can feel his hand patting my cheek---and I can hear him whisper in my ear, "Daddy's girl".    I can see him kneeling by his bed with his hands raised high as he prayed for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I have witnessed him stand true to his beliefs when others faltered and failed.  His influence on my life cannot be described.

Oh, how we need men of honor and integrity---men of courage and principle---men who stand in the face of all opposition---who will not break in the face of adversity.   How we need Godly fathers and husbands who will teach their sons to honor God, respect authority, and treasure their families.  We so desperately need men who are unashamed to kneel before the Lord and to raise their hands in prayer.

I, too, pray to be courageous.  I pray to be woman of faith and integrity--- a woman of honor---a woman who will remain unafraid to take a stand for what she believes.  I pray to leave a legacy of faith and trust in a God who cannot fail.  My desire is for my children and grandchildren to remember me as a woman of prayer and a woman who willingly raised her hands in praise to God.  I pray to stand on bended knees and lifted hands.  Oh, how I pray to stand.

In Grace,
Marie