It seems like our valley has been hit from every direction in recent days. Most people are enduring trials of some nature--heart-rending challenges that overwhelm. I woke early this morning, troubled by some of the things taking place. It doesn't help that today marks the anniversary of a tragic loss in our family. I found myself staring out the front room window at the bright stars still visible, and it triggered a memory of another time when life was less than fun. I'd like to share a journal entry I wrote then:
November 5, 1996
". . . A few weeks ago, I had been feeling
quite discouraged. I think we all experience times like that in our lives, moments when we wonder why life has to be so challenging. I don't feel that way
all of the time, but for some reason, at that particular instance, despair
seemed to creep inside my heart. One night when everyone else in my family had
gone to bed, I wandered outside. Sometimes listening to the night sounds brings
comfort and so I sat on the porch and listened for a bit. I remember silently
praying, asking why I was feeling this way. The thought came to mind,
"There is still beauty in the world." I agreed, but still wanted to
know why things seemed so bleak. I had been having some challenging health
problems and there were several trials taking place with some of
my extended family members. As I wondered why everything had to be so hard, I
stood and glanced up at the sky. It was one of those star-filled nights--the
entire sky was lit with stars. Again the thought came to mind, "There
is still beauty in the world." As I gazed at the stars, I noticed that
clouds were moving in. This is something that has probably occurred millions of
times, but for once, I was watching as it happened. Within minutes, every star
was covered. As I stared at the sky, I was so amazed by how quickly the clouds
had moved in. Another thought came to mind, "Are the stars still
there?" With that thought came the peace I had been seeking. Other
thoughts came, "Is the Church still true? Does your Heavenly Father love
you? Did your elder Brother lay His life down for you? Are all of these things
true despite the discouragement, despite the challenges, the heartaches, the
pains of life? Are the stars still there?"
The lesson I was taught that night
has been such a comfort. Every time I start feeling a little down, it comes to
mind: "Are the stars still there?"
To make a long story short . . . [I had an impression that] I should write a song based on that theme . . . Here are
the lyrics:
Are The
Stars Still There?
By: Cheri J. Crane
1st:
Dark were my thoughts--all around
were storms of heartache and
strife
All those tests that sometimes just
go with life
Mountains that seemed too steep to
climb.
I walked outside--to clear my head
and ask my Father, "Why?"
My inner peace had dissolved for a
time
Where was the faith that was mine?
Chorus:
Staring at the star-filled sky--my
heart revealed its inner cry
"Father, if You're listening
help me know the reason why."
A thousand tiny twinkling lights
were covered, hidden from
my sight
Grey clouds veiling light that once
had shone so bright.
Darkness seemed to fill the night
as every star was veiled
from sight
Yet peace crept in my heart and
comfort eased the black despair
As the question came, "My
child, my child--Are the stars still
there?"
2nd:
Now when dark thoughts come and
some nights seem too long
I remember the words of this song
When everything seems to go wrong
The answer to my prayer--the night
I struggled with despair
The night my Father heard my silent
prayer
And reminded me the stars are
always there.
Chorus:
Our Father's love is always
there--through layers of grief and
care
Hope is shining brightly through
the clouds of dark despair
A thousand tiny twinkling
lights--though covered, hidden from
our sight
Grey clouds veiling light that once
had shone so bright.
Though darkness seems to fill the
night--And every star is veiled
from sight
Peace and love seep through to ease
the black despair--
Remember the question--"My
child, are the stars still there?"
