Because I’m “at risk” for pre-term labor and shouldn’t really be holding a 24 pound person anyway, I can’t hold Vivienne as often as either of us would like. Like most things in my life though, God has shown me some sort of spiritual parallel to this sacrifice. This lesson came in church on Sunday when I was struck by one song in particular. We sang, “I cry out, and you hold me, Jesus…” Vivienne was snuggled into Ryan’s shoulder as he strongly held her and swayed back and forth with the music.

As much as I long for the day when I can hold Vivienne during our worship music again, I realized through this that sometimes, there is no one better to hold us than our Father. Often, we hold our needy arms out to the Church as a Mother figure, for she is indeed a source of great comfort and encouragement. Yet, there are times when she is too heavy-laden with her own pregnancy pangs and groanings to hold us. There are times when only our Father can hold us with strength, faithfulness, and long-suffering love.

And so, I think of Natalie Grant’s song, “Held”. I’d like to share a video of the song played over clips from a film about Joseph. If you haven’t read his story lately, take a few minutes this afternoon to do so (Genesis 30 – 50) before watching the video. Remember all over again how God allowed Joseph to endure great suffering and testing, but how He also held him through it all and blessed him with one of the most beautifully redemptive stories in history. I post this in honor of my husband, who seems to remind me a lot of Joseph these days…

“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life…” Genesis 45:5