My Playlist: Songs of Hope

Patients For A Moment (PFAM) is a patient-centered blog carnival to build connections within the community of people who blog about illness, disease, and disability. Phylor, at Phylor's Blog, is hosting the September edition of the PFAM blog carnival. This month, Phylor is calling for a personal playlist (for songs that inspire, elevate mood, give a shot of energy, etc...).

Music has always played an important role in my life. Sometimes it's the beat of the music that appeals to me... sometimes it's the lyrics that I relate with... and sometimes the combination is incredibly moving. I used to make CDs to listen to, while I warmed up for cross-country and/or track races. They'd get me pumped up, and they gave me something to play in my head during the race. Now, music tends to play more of a comforting role in my life.

I have many different types of music that I like to listen to, depending on my mood and what's going on in my life. Some of the songs that have moved me can be found on my other blog, Unfolding the Rosebud (some of the ones listed on that blog are also found below).

My faith is where I find my strength to keep going, so my most inspiring songs reflect that. I hope the artists and songs below will bless you.

Falling Inside the Black by Skillet
I must say that I enjoy listening to music by Skillet. Sometimes the songs just say what I can't say myself. Whenever I'm fighting feelings of depression and/or feeling separated from God, there's a specific song that helps me express that I'm just trying to hold on.

Falling in the black / Slipping through the cracks / Falling to the depths can I ever go back / Dreaming of the way it used to be / Can you hear me

http://youtu.be/tfY4OfUXiYU

Stronger by Mandisa
This song is such a strong reminder that God loves me unconditionally and will never forsake me. He knows the hurt I feel, and He will help me through even the most difficult of times.

'Cause if He started this work in your life / He will be faithful to complete it / If only you believe it / He knows how much it hurts / And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

http://youtu.be/emgv-VRtMEU

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson
This song fills me with hope. I truly believe that the Lord has something great planned for my life. I cannot see what it is, but I must place my trust in Him and continue to move forward in my life.

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe, / That you still have a reason to sing, / 'Cause the pain you've been feeling, / Can't compare to the joy that's coming / So hold on, you got to wait for the light / Press on, just fight the good fight / Because the pain you've been feeling, / It's just the dark before the morning

http://youtu.be/MniOtRnCO9I

No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts
This is one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. It's difficult to keep your faith in the Lord, especially when you're in pain ALL the time. But, God loves us no matter what. We need to trust and love God unconditionally, as well... no matter what.

No matter what, I’m gonna love You, / No matter what I’m gonna need You, / I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain / But if not, I’ll trust you, / No matter what, no matter what.

http://youtu.be/CQyXltkrzn8

Angel By Your Side by Francesca Battistelli
This song reminds me that I am blessed to have a few people in my life that I know feel the words of this song deep in their heart. I'm so grateful for each of these people.

I can't say that everything's ok, / 'Cause I can see the tears you're crying / And I can't promise to take the pain away / But you can know I won't stop trying.

http://youtu.be/iNac9pfiMwQ

What You Are by Jewel
This song is a reminder that we are enough. What we are is beautiful, good, strong, and bright enough. It's important to try to remember this, in the midst of pain and lowered self-esteem.

We already are what we are / And what we are is beautiful / And good enough / And strong enough / And bright enough

http://youtu.be/XJmwb3uHt5Q

http://youtu.be/xk4LohWUa2s

Blessings by Laura Story

This song is an absolutely beautiful reminder of God's amazing love for us. When times are difficult, it's human nature to wonder "why?" and try to make sense of it. Asking "why?" doesn't mean that I don't trust Him, or that I love Him any less in the difficult times of life. Through my doubt, my faith is seeking understanding - it's not weakening, it's trying to grow stronger.

God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Especially in the midst of trials, though, it's difficult to consider that they're "mercies in disguise." But, God places the trials and obstacles that we need in our paths, so that we can grow and become the people He calls us to be. Sometimes He may overwhelm us with trials, so that we realize that we cannot do it all on our own, but must lean into His grace. It may be of some comfort to know that it's in the moments you feel weak and vulnerable that you're most ready to receive God's wisdom, peace, understanding, and strength

(2 Corinthians 12:9).

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops / What if Your healing comes through tears / What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near / What if my greatest disappointments / Or the aching of this life / Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy / What if trials of this life / The rain, the storms, the hardest nights / Are your mercies in disguise

http://youtu.be/SGniRk_GcLs

Strong Enough by Matthew West

This song is a reminder that even though I'm not strong enough on my own, that I have a loving God that is strong enough for both of us.

I know I'm not strong enough to be / Everything that I'm supposed to be / I give up / I'm not strong enough / Hands of mercy won't you cover me / Lord right now I'm asking you to be / Strong enough / Strong enough / For the both of us

http://youtu.be/A8JsRxVczmQ

Bring the Rain by Mercy Me
This song expresses my soul's desire to praise my Lord with my life. I try to give God the glory, regardless of the situation I find myself in.

Bring me joy, bring me peace / Bring the chance to be free / Bring me anything that brings You glory / And I know there'll be days / When this life brings me pain / But if that's what it takes to praise You / Jesus, bring the rain

http://youtu.be/e8HgAVenbUU

What Faith Can Do by Kutless
This song has helped me through many difficult times, especially since the car accident. It is such a moving song.

Don’t you give up now / The sun will soon be shining / You gotta face the clouds / To find the silver lining

http://youtu.be/kQp75TsnpSA

There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp
Jeremy Camp is my favorite musical artist. His music always speaks to my heart and soothes my soul. This song has really helped me through some of the toughest times. It's a reminder of the promise that our Lord has given us.

There will be a day with no more tears, / No more pain, and no more fears / There will be a day when the burdens of this place, / Will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face / But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

http://youtu.be/k8gkDiTvloc

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

This song further expresses my soul's desire to praise the Lord with my life. I know that He will never forsake me, so I know that I can handle whatever comes my way... as long as I continue to trust in the Lord.

And I will praise you in this storm / And I will lift my hands / For You are who You are no matter where I am / And every tear I've cried You hold in your hand / You never left my side and though my heart is torn / I will praise You in this storm 

http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ

Palladio by Escala

This song doesn't have any words, but I just love Escala's music!

http://youtu.be/bBwa8nqtris