Christy Bagasao

Many people think that when they become Christians, all their problems will disappear--they certainly don't get that from the Bible! This song points out accurately that God says we will have difficult times, but that He will be there for us. When you're going through those hard times--what Rebecca calls the Shadowlands--sometimes all we have left is that divine promise. She reminds us that God will stay with us, walking together through the dark valley into the light. It's an amazing promise.

This beautiful song carries such a strong message, which is probably why it's so popular at weddings. This takes "for better and for worse" to a whole new level. Most of it is self-explanatory, but don't you just love the comparison between changing seasons and the changing years of life--both are intentional, both are part of the beauty of life. And as age takes away what the world considers "beauty," Chapman describes it as growing in beauty--faithfulness, devotion, deep beauty that sometimes only love can see. It brings tears to my eyes! Beautiful!

We've all had those throw-in-the-towel days, the kind that make you want to give it all up. In Amy's song, she sees two letters. The first is from a friend reminding her of the ultimate goal--heaven. The second is from God, with the same reminder, that heaven is our home, and we're only here to learn to serve Him. She bemoans how often she forgets this important truth, but isn't that how it is for all of us! Oldie, but a goodie.

This is a beautiful concept that fits the "Please be patient; God's not finished with me yet" mantra. Too often in the church Christians can get judgmental, forgetting that Christ came for sinners, not for saints. Rice's song is a great reminder that we ALL have left burned bridges, relationship rubble, and life messes. It's a call to fellow Christians to stop shaking fingers and instead extend a hand to help a brother out. Great song!