Balm in Gilead

I don't usually post much about my life behind the scenes, but I will confess that March has been a hard month (and it's not over yet).  The past two Wednesdays have found me in the emergency room.  First, we watched over my daughter, and then last week, my family watched over me.

I am praying for better health for all of us.  

Things were not pretty while I was sick with the norovirus.  A full-time working mom pregnant with baby no. 3, I missed some important deadlines while I was in a nauseous land of forgetfulness.  Although I could barely remember my name, I did not recognize that precious time was passing and I was out of luck on several fronts.

As I have attempted to recover, the words of this song have come to mind several times.  I continue to lose the battle of too many tasks vs. too little energy.  But when I begin to feel overwhelmed, I try to remember that there is Balm in Gilead.

The expression comes from Old Testament references to a healing medicinal balsam, which is also a fragrant perfume.   

Edgar Allen Poe referenced the need for mental and emotional healing in "The Raven" when he penned, "Is there balm in Gilead? -- tell me, tell me, I implore!"

I love to hear the spiritual sung, especially by Paul Robeson.  Enjoy this video from YouTube below.

If you are struggling under a weight of cares this spring, I hope you will be gentle with yourself and find healing, recovery, and rest.

There is a Balm in Gilead

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work’s in vain,

But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.