It’s been a hard few months for me. Some days, it has been a struggle to just keep my chin up and keep going.
If someone asked you what keeps you going, what would you say?
I imagine answers like:
I get enough sleep each night.
Eating healthy.
Perseverance.
Maybe even some I don’t knows.
I think I would maybe say an inner drive to live life well and make the best of things, no matter what. Life is a gift.
What I don’t think I would say is Jesus. At least, I don’t think I would have said that until recently.
Can I say that here on (in)courage?
{gulp}
I love Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life, but until recently, I never really thought about my relationship with Him being what keeps me going.
Here’s what caused my shift in thinking.
For the past two months, I’ve working on the social media efforts to spread the word about a cool new album called Everybody Has a Story. The songs were written by former and current patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and sung by some of the best musicians in the business, like Faith Hill, Amy Grant and Vince Gill. One of the songs on the album was written by a girl named Erica Kilburn, a cancer patient who is now with Jesus.
While in the hospital, she covered her room’s walls with scripture.
That alone humbles me.
What a powerful picture of someone who loved the Word so much that she blanketed in her hospital room with its truths.
Her music therapist Jenny Plume asked Erica about how she fights her disease and what keeps her so positive. Erica told Jenny, “Jesus is what keeps me going.” Those words inspired a beautiful song, sung on Everybody Has a Story by Melinda Doolittle. Read the lyrics below, which are a mix of Erica’s story and scripture, or listen to the song in this video.
Health to your marrow and moistening to your bones
Sing like a sparrow cuz you’re not alone
The joy of the Lord is my strength this I know
This is why I hold on
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to you
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good
Give and it shall be given to you
Under his promise I feel strong
Arise take up your bed and walk with me
I once was blind but now I see
All this scripture brings courage to me
Jesus is what keeps me going
Yeah he’s what keeps me going
All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me
If I drink any deadly thing it won’t harm me
Your healing shall spring forth speedily
And I will praise you and you alone
Arise take up your bed and walk with me
I once was blind but now I see
All this scripture brings courage to me
Jesus is what keeps me going
Yeah he’s what keeps me going
You thought it would keep me down
But I keep going stronger and stronger
Jesus is what keeps me going
Yeah, he’s what keeps me going
Arise take up your bed and walk with me
I once was blind but now I see
All this scripture brings courage to me
Jesus is what keeps me going
Yeah he’s what keeps me going
Today, embrace Jesus. He will keep you going. Wherever you are. Whatever your struggles. He is with you.
By Jessica Turner from The Mom Creative
Leave a Comment
Jedidja says
What a powerful blog with a deep message. I’m glad I read it, this early morning. Thank you.
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Jessica,
WOW! Thanks for sharing an amazing real life story of someone who truly lives the
words, “Jesus keeps me going.” The lyrics are raw and real and I needed this reminder that no matter what is going on in my life, Jesus is my sustainer and He will keep me going!
Blessings,
Bev
Bomi says
Amen. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Amy says
What a beautiful post! And so true! Jesus is truly what keeps me going through this life and honestly, I didn’t realize how much I needed him until four years ago when my ex-husband walked out on me and our two sons after a 20 year abusive marriage. At that time I truly discovered that the only constant I had in my life was, and is, Jesus. I found amazing comfort and strength through the scriptures and prayer.
Today I am married to a wonderful Christian man and live in a healthy marriage. But on the days where things seem to be dragging me down I remember that I need a huge dose of Jesus to keep me going.
Mary says
Thank you for sharing. Indeed there are many days I have said, “Jesus carries me”. There is no other explaination for how I made it through. Praise be to God for this young woman and her witness. What an awesome reminder that when we are weak HE is strong!
Beth Williams says
What keeps me keeping on when I want to quit? Jesus.. Knowing that Jesus is right there living inside of me…watching my every move. As a Christian and a Winner I can’t jsut quit or give up!
I have days when I feel like quitting/giving up and they come with a bad attitude also. I just remember God is watching and use the energy from the Holy Spirit living inside of me.
Robin in New Jersey says
Presently, I am going through a very difficult time. When people ask me, even well meaning Christians, how I do it, I say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Honestly, where would I be without Jesus?
sheri says
Thanks so much for sharing. Jesus really does keep me going sometimes when nothing or no one else can. AND thanks for sharing about the album and these kids. I spent an hour on the site listening to clips and reading about their stories. I will definitely share about it on my social media too! This is worth every penny and more. What a legacy for Erica and these other kids to leave with us for years to come.
Claire says
How beautiful. A true blessing to share.
April says
What a great reminder for our daily struggles and keeping positive.
Lisa says
Oh yes He is and thank you for that gentle reminder.
Barb Kennedy says
this will be blog that I will save, a reminder of where our strength comes from
kristina says
Beautiful post and song, Jess!
Aisha says
Ahhhhh! Thank you for this!!
I’ve been ill with Lyme Disease and other bacterial infections for a year and a half now, and now my husband is ill with it as well! I’ve been very overwhelmed lately …. I SOO needed to read this and hear that song! Thank You!!
Susan Hawkins says
Thank you so much for sharing that Jesus keeps you going. My husband went home to be with the Lord in 2005 and my daughter at a young age and I miss my family, but it is true that He keeps me going and takes even the most painful of losses and redeems them, nothing is lost ever that is a gift of His love. For they live on in our hearts. He is and His love endures forever. Thank you once again; He alone satisfies and fulfills. SUsan
Modupe says
Thank you. I needed this today.
jade says
o, wow!!! And we think we’re not blessed??? she may be with Jesus now, but what a blessing she must have been while she was here!!!
Amy says
I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. It is amazing to me how we serve a God who knows that a post written long ago would bring me to tears today and help me and inspire me to serve Him more! I will tell you that I have been in one of the lowest points in my life lately. I mean past the point of giving up on a great husband and 4 amazing kids. It is amazing that I read this post today. Thank you and I am so glad to have found it! I know it’s not weird, but it’s weird when it happens to me, ya know, but I have literally received little messages all day that tell me exactly what my heart needs to hear. He amazes me! With little things that have happened today, I can almost hear him say: first of all, stop worrying about stuff. I have got it under control. Love others. Take up your cross and follow me. Enjoy all that God has given you. Remember, you don’t deserve them, but God has loaned them to you for a while. Quit your sniveling and whining! There is so much work to be done and so much joy and love to share! Give stuff and stop taking! Let’s get busy because I have plans for you. Thank you, Lord for helping me. And, thank you for this post to help me remember that Jesus is what keeps me going and that without Him, I can do nothing. I needed a HUGE reminder. Thank You.