I wouldn’t say he swept in to save me.
It felt more a remembering kind of seeing — a peace that started in the belly and moved to limbs, fingers, toes.
Thirteen years old, sorrow filled, downright hating myself, knowing I couldn’t keep living like this, he whispered hope. Brought joy as a choice held out on light planks into the four walls of my bedroom.
I wouldn’t say he swept in to save me.
Or maybe he did.
Holding me in my seat. Sending the off-duty nurse to hold my hand and look in terrified 16-year-old eyes as my face gushed blood after the high-speed freeway accident. She and her daughter waited with me, called my mama from the massive cell phone and told me firmly, It’s going to be ok, honey. It’s going to be ok.
I wouldn’t say he swept in to save me.
Or maybe he did.
That One who drew near, held my heart there on the carpeted floor of our apartment bedroom as I wept my eyeballs out in despair and fear that I’d always live this way, that I’d never know love’s fullness.
My everyday hero is anything but ordinary — this One who knew me in the beginning, who knows me now. My Jesus who is rushing river, cloud-burning sun — this One who holds hearts and lifts faces and saves. Yes, he does.
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Joining with the Five Minute Friday community at the home of Lisa-Jo Baker, whose first and much-awaited book, Surprised by Motherhood, is officially released April 1st. Woohoo! Today’s prompt: HERO.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
So thankful our One hero never leaves us. Beautiful Ashley! Visiting from the FMF link up :)
Me too, Sarah. Thank you for visiting!
Beautiful post. I love your line, “I wouldn’t say he swept in to save me. Or maybe he did.” Such a touching picture of our savior. Visiting from the FMF link up.
I’m glad you know what I mean, Ria. :-) Seems it’s both a swooping in to save and an abiding with in the midst of what we need saving from, if you know what I mean. Thanks so much for your visit. I truly appreciate it.
Ohh I remember so well that night { shudder }. And thank the one who rushed in to save you! (exactly)
As a mama now, I can only imagine what that terrifying night was like for you. I am grateful every day that I was saved. xoxo
I, too, remember that night so well! Like it was yesterday, in fact. Sitting in the backseat of the car: all was dark, quiet and still. Not sure what had happened. As I look back, I thank our sweet Savior above – our hero – that I lived through it. He truly rushed in to sit beside all three of us! And I pray I never get such a phone call about my kids.
Stephanie, as I was writing (and so often) I think of you and Nancy with me that night and the miracle that none of us was more injured. I always felt so badly to put you guys through that…what a freak accident it was. I’ve thought about that night through my mom’s experience, now that I’m a mama, and also pray I never receive that call. Grateful to be connected again — at least through FB. :-) Much love to you, Stephanie.
This reaches every corner of my heart. Holding back tears. He’s my hero too. I love you so much my sister! So much.
Love you, sister. Thank you for always being there for me. So glad we know this same hero!
so simple and powerful, thank you.
Thank you, Krista. A blessing to see you here.
The one and only true hero. Beautiful Ash.
Amen. xoxo
This: “My Jesus who is rushing river, cloud-burning sun — this One who holds hearts and lifts faces and saves. Yes, he does.”
Gah… your words just right undo me… Every. Time.
Ah, Karrilee. You are a picture of true encouragement. Isn’t this God we serve amazing?
Ashley, your gift of words always wash over with such effortless beauty that I know comes from someplace deep and beautiful in you. I know such carvings come out of a place that was hard fought. Blessings and Cheers,
Leah
Thank you for your thoughtful words, Leah. As you say, some of our greatest places of depth do come from the painful carving out. Thank you for putting words to that reality. Grateful for you here, as always.
Beautiful and poignant my dear friend….lovely and encouraging of hope!
Thank you, darling friend.
I don’t know what more I can say to this but, YES, YES, YES. A heart-knowing, aching- with -hope- and- gratitude- and wonder, tear-streaked YES and amen. Glory, friend.
Bless you and your loving YES! That saving is glory indeed!
Yes Ashley..he does save indeed! Beautiful!
Thank you, Kelly. I know you have many stories of God’s saving, and I hope to continue reading them.
“My everyday hero is anything but ordinary — this One who knew me in the beginning, who knows me now. My Jesus who is rushing river, cloud-burning sun — this One who holds hearts and lifts faces and saves. Yes, he does.” Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for your words and presence here, Katie. It is a gift.
Ashley- this is the most beautiful 5 minutes I’ve spent all day. Such a story of sweeping redemption and setting apart for His glory. So love your story. Much love to you- you wear your brave so well!
Friend, thank you. Grateful for our stories and the ways God is revealing layers of brave. So excited for your IF gathering. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
I love this picture of Jesus being an everyday hero! There is no one moment. There is a faithful, constant saving, isn’t there? Thankful for your heart, thankful for your words.
“Faithful, constant saving” — yes, that’s just right. Thankful for you, Becky.
Beautiful post! So thankful for Jesus presence in each moment of our lives..I need him so very much!
Me too, sister! Sending love.
So love this, Ashley – thank you.
Thank you, Deb. Always.
Oh yes He does. Hero. Kurt Franklin has a song and album with this title, if you get a chance check out.
I love him. Gotta pull that one up.