Thank you for this beautiful reflection. My mom died suddenly in November, I don't know how it was over ten months ago and now how it's almost a year. But I keep pondering something similar...the joy that we hope she is having if she has reached Heaven. We've had innumerable consolations (the scent of roses, dreams, lost precious items showing up in places they were not before, a dozen babies conceived/carried to teen after praying for her intercession exclusively...I don't know why I am sharing all of this but I am) that have lead us to believe that. But it has all given me another opportunity to ponder what Heaven is like, and what living in the sight of God really means for us. Grieving alongside you.
You know what makes me cry? Your writing. It’s as beautiful and soaring as these dancers. I praise God that He gave you these gifts, and I thank you that you share them with us.
I’ve never heard about Aquino’s’ properties of the resurrected body. How wonderful to learn about them for the first time. I’ve always loved dancing, and I’ve always been frustrated by my body’s ability to express what I feel when I listen to music, especially now that I’ve lost the flexibility of my teenage years. Now I can have another way to think about and rejoice in heaven-I’ll be able to dance the way I’ve always dreamed in God’s presence!
Everything you write is just beautiful. But, like many others, this hit home so, so much.
In her later years, my grandmother had a Parkinson's-like condition and used to say, "Can you believe I used to be the fastest runner in the county?" She felt the loss, the cross, of her motor skills and it was sad to see her deteriorate in that way. She and my grandfather met a square-dance. She marched with the Daughters of America. She was a farmer's wife and, man, she worked hard. Truly, her life was a dance and it was beautiful. I trust and pray she is in heaven and really dancing now.
With your eating disorder history, I also am sure that this piece came from that experience as well. As a psychologist, Christian, and mother, I just want to say to folks: look how amazing your body is! look how amazing you are! look what you can do!
All of that to say, I love everything about this piece. Thank you, and many blessings on you!
I’ve loved this song and video for years and now I love it more. Before my dad died in June, he was a carpenter who worked with his entire body for his whole career. As we sorted through his tools and supplies, I definitely pondered how well his body served him, even in pain, but I was so happy when he was finally free of his pain. Thanks so much for this reflection, and for sharing your grieving heart. It helps my grieving heart too. ❤️
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. My mom died suddenly in November, I don't know how it was over ten months ago and now how it's almost a year. But I keep pondering something similar...the joy that we hope she is having if she has reached Heaven. We've had innumerable consolations (the scent of roses, dreams, lost precious items showing up in places they were not before, a dozen babies conceived/carried to teen after praying for her intercession exclusively...I don't know why I am sharing all of this but I am) that have lead us to believe that. But it has all given me another opportunity to ponder what Heaven is like, and what living in the sight of God really means for us. Grieving alongside you.
You know what makes me cry? Your writing. It’s as beautiful and soaring as these dancers. I praise God that He gave you these gifts, and I thank you that you share them with us.
I’ve never heard about Aquino’s’ properties of the resurrected body. How wonderful to learn about them for the first time. I’ve always loved dancing, and I’ve always been frustrated by my body’s ability to express what I feel when I listen to music, especially now that I’ve lost the flexibility of my teenage years. Now I can have another way to think about and rejoice in heaven-I’ll be able to dance the way I’ve always dreamed in God’s presence!
Emily,
Everything you write is just beautiful. But, like many others, this hit home so, so much.
In her later years, my grandmother had a Parkinson's-like condition and used to say, "Can you believe I used to be the fastest runner in the county?" She felt the loss, the cross, of her motor skills and it was sad to see her deteriorate in that way. She and my grandfather met a square-dance. She marched with the Daughters of America. She was a farmer's wife and, man, she worked hard. Truly, her life was a dance and it was beautiful. I trust and pray she is in heaven and really dancing now.
With your eating disorder history, I also am sure that this piece came from that experience as well. As a psychologist, Christian, and mother, I just want to say to folks: look how amazing your body is! look how amazing you are! look what you can do!
All of that to say, I love everything about this piece. Thank you, and many blessings on you!
*sob*
This piece resonated so much with me. Our tears will be turned into dancing.
I loved all this so much; thank you for sharing your beautiful perspective and this amazing video.
Thank you Emily for this beautiful essay. You had me in tears.💕
Thank you , thank you thank you for this beautiful Essay. It touched my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️
You can dance. Even on the ocean floor.
You can dance. Even when you are tired.
You can dance. Even when you are sad.
So dance, Emily Stimson Chapman.
Dance with your Dad.
Dance with your babies.
Dance with Jesus.
https://youtu.be/1CdML_8uY18?si=8E0cOgXMVMaPpnT0
I’ve loved this song and video for years and now I love it more. Before my dad died in June, he was a carpenter who worked with his entire body for his whole career. As we sorted through his tools and supplies, I definitely pondered how well his body served him, even in pain, but I was so happy when he was finally free of his pain. Thanks so much for this reflection, and for sharing your grieving heart. It helps my grieving heart too. ❤️
I weeped when I watched the video; then I read your words & weeped more...good tears filled with love towards my Savior!
Now I will watch the video again as you suggested!🥰🥹😍
You’re correct ✅ it meant even more after reading 📖 your words!