You raise me up

Sue and I were privileged recently to be able to attend a book launch at St Martin's House in Leicester.  The book is titled 'Still Emily', and its author is a remarkable lady called Emily Owen.  Emily was a multi-talented teenager who, at the age of 16, was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2, and found herself in hospital fighting for her life.  Though she survived, she had to come to terms with the fact that many elements of her life had been taken from her (including her education, her smile, her hearing, and her ability to walk).  Emily's book is about her journey, and how she has been able to discover 'value in new places, seeing the rainbows in the silence.'  We bought a copy of the book, and I very much look forward to reading it.

Emily shared just a little of her story at the book launch, and it became clear as she spoke that the loving and caring support of her family, friends and medical team had been foundational in the journey which she has taken over the years since her condition became apparent.  She has also found strength through her relationship with God and the knowledge of his constant presence even in the most trying of times.  Of course, it is in the tough times of life that the reality (or otherwise) of our faith is revealed.

During the reception were entertained by a choir who sang a number of songs, including, co-incidentally, one which Emily had quoted in her book and which clearly has great meaning for her personally, Westlife's popular song, "You raise me up."  It is worth reading the lyrics:

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be,
Then I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas,
I am strong when I am on your shoulders,
You raise me up to more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without it's hunger,
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly,
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.

The song has been hugely popular over the years, not least because it reminds us of the enormous blessings of the support of close family and friends in troubled times.  The identity of the "You" in the song is not made clear.  It could very easily relate to God's constant presence with us, especially, perhaps, with the notion of glimpsing eternity.  It is noticeable, for example, how a verse from Psalm 27, written thousands of years ago, expresses very similar sentiments:

'There I’ll be when troubles come. He will hide me. He will set me on a high rock.' (Psalm 27:5)

That has certainly been Emily's experience, and it has been the experience of countless people through the years.  Whatever we face in life, when we reach out to God we find that he is with us.