Story #3 of music, healing art project.. Anywhere but Down
Sitting in a circle at church with a few other women, we began to share and pray for one another. One woman shared how God recently healed her of Celiacs disease (a lifelong autoimmune disorder). Then a beautiful, joy-filled burst of laughter and praise burst forth! I knew her story was one I wanted to hear and use as part of this project to bring glory to God.
In 2006, she was diagnosed with Celiacs disease and was accustomed to learning to live with the affects of it. The diets she was instructed to follow didn't work and she found herself deteriorating more and more. She eventually got down to 95 lbs. and felt as if she was wasting away. She was barely able to work. In 2011, she moved from Indiana to Omaha by the encouragement of some family. While staying with them, she began attending a small group through their church. One evening, a couple shared about the power of forgiveness and a local ministry called Fresh Start. She knew she needed to process some issues of her heart from her childhood. She couldn't move forward without dealing with the pain in her heart. She began to release and forgive people in her life. Simultaneously, some family insisted that she go to the doctor to get some tests done for her deteriorating health. She was re-tested for Celiacs and it came back negative...YES completely negative! Of course she had a party eating pizza and donuts..all the things her body rejected for so long. This experience has led her closer to God. Today she has a different perspective on everything and what God can do. She takes joy in the little things and she treats herself and others differently than she used to. She feels invincible...going anywhere but down! The above artwork depicts her spiritual journey...beautiful!
Anywhere But Down
You may not know my name or my story
I was drowning God came in perfect timing
He rescued me when I needed it most
Let me tell you where I am going
Chorus:
Anywhere but down
Kicking my heels up like an umbrella
or a hot balloon that's rising in the sky
Anywhere but down
Jumping and skipping, smiling, believing
in a newfound faith that has turned my life around
Anywhere, anywhere but down
There was a gain when I dealt with my losses
Covered pain began to surface
I was suffering then began to release
Hey hey let me tell you where I am going
Chorus
Bridge:
I know there is more healing to come
I am willing to move through it not around it or behind
Now let me tell you where I am going
Chorus
You may not know my name or my story
I was drowning God came in perfect timing
He rescued me when I needed it most
Let me tell you where I am going
Chorus:
Anywhere but down
Kicking my heels up like an umbrella
or a hot balloon that's rising in the sky
Anywhere but down
Jumping and skipping, smiling, believing
in a newfound faith that has turned my life around
Anywhere, anywhere but down
There was a gain when I dealt with my losses
Covered pain began to surface
I was suffering then began to release
Hey hey let me tell you where I am going
Chorus
Bridge:
I know there is more healing to come
I am willing to move through it not around it or behind
Now let me tell you where I am going
Chorus
