I Will Rise

Heard this one on Sunday, and given the recent anniversary about John, I broke down crying.

But I think I’m all good now.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

Chorus:
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

— Chris Tomlin, I Will Rise

March 6th 2005

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Since I got the email from a friend asking if I knew where John was. Since I got that nagging feeling in the back of my gut that something was wrong.

Later that day I received another email and the nagging feeling turned into pain. Anger. Sadness. Grief.

John was dead. He was swept away and buried 4 feet under by an avalanche while, ironically enough, taking an avalanche safety course.

He was one of my closest friends, a strong Christian brother and one of my earliest mentors, continually challenging me to grow and mature in my faith.

It would be a lie to say that time has healed all the pain, but I look forward to the day when we will meet again.

Dear John

Related:
Dear John
Atalaya SAR’s Memorial page