What It Means To Be Held

"Held" by Natalie Grant

I first would like to share the words to this wonderful song.

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
Were asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
If hope if born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

What does it exactly mean to be held?  Here are a few meanings that I found in a dictionary (as a verb & noun).

- to bear, sustain, or support, as with the hands or arms, or by any other means.

- to have or keep in the hand; keep fast; grasp

- to have or keep in the mind; think or believe

- to remain fast; adhere; cling

- to remain attached, faithful, or steadfast (usually followed by to )

- a fortified place; stronghold

- to consider of a certain value; rate

 

Someone questioned what the song meant.  Here is a response that I found that summarizes the meaning - much more than what I would ever be able to do justice to.  Her statement is referring to the last part of the song.

This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held

It is all about having to watch Jesus die, knowing that it was not fair. It was not fair that a sinless, guiltless man had to die in order for the world to be saved, but it was God's promise. The song is basically saying that watching Jesus die showed what it meant to be loved, that someone willing to send their only son, someone willing to be that son, and having that son die, shows the true meaning of God's love. That even when everything is bad, when life seems unfair, we are still held by God's love because He sent His son and when Jesus died and rose again, that was the promise He left behind, that no matter what we would be loved.

God will love us in the lowest low and in the highest high. The song is about there being nothing that we could ever do to make God love us less. We are always held by Him.

The song, however, is not saying that Jesus died so that God would always love and hold us. It is saying that Jesus died to SHOW US that we are loved ALWAYS, and that we are never alone, when we feel like life is horrible and we want to give up, the song is saying that Jesus' dying should have showed us that we are always held.

~~~

Trish's viewpoint...

This song really brings the story of Lent to each and every one of us in a personal manner - to know that there is hope in times of suffering.  The days of Lent have always been difficult for me throughout my life - times of struggles, trials, temptations, abuse, memories, births, deaths, hardships, illnesses, pain, agony, hopelessness, depression, anxiety, frustrations, helplessness, sadness and so much more.

Yet, I know deep down in my heart that there is a reason for everything in this life - to ultimately bring me closer to Him.  Each and every dark corner of my life has always shone glimmers of hope.  I can close my eyes and still know that the light of hope is always there.  Always knowing that tomorrow is a new day - fresh and renewed - is so rewarding and hopeful.  

This then brings me to the knowing of Easter.  Memories of depression and anxiety being completely lifted, the baptism of my oldest son, Brendan and the conception of my youngest son, Jameson.  Are these all coincidences?  Looking back, I would say, "not at all".  This is God's way of saying - see Trish, I told you so.  These are ways that God answers ALL of my doubts and questions.  Some of the questions that I have asked...are you really there God?  Did your Son, Jesus Christ, really make a sacrifice for me and everyone else in this world?  Will I be able to share His love with my children and grandchildren?

So, I come back to this line in the song...

If hope if born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior

And of course the chorus to follow-up...

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held 

   

Only a few weeks away Easter will be here!  I know very well the road that Jesus took in order to be MY Lord and Savior - the greatest sacrifice that He made for ME and YOU.  Here's a parting blessing that is very familiar to many of us.    

May The Road

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
~ Traditional Gaelic Blessing ~

God's Blessings,

Trish

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1