Not much is written about how Mary was feeling about her pregnancy and the imminent birth of the baby Jesus.
Do you suppose she struggled with morning sickness, or had food cravings?
At the very least, the concerns of all first-time mothers occupied her thoughts.
The song Breath of Heaven expresses her doubts and fears in a beautiful way as she tells God she is apprehensive, and asks Him if there was someone else who might have taken her place.
She prays, Hold me together, Be forever near me. Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness. Help me be strong.
My immediate reflection upon hearing this song was to remember the instances where I have felt unsure, fearful, or confused – and how God (thankfully!) infused His peace into my heart, helping me trust Him with every situation.
Sometimes I could barely hear His subtle murmurs.
God is always there when we need Him the most….and when we least expect Him to be.
His quiet breezes surround us, each and every day, permeating our lives.
Have you sensed His presence recently?
Here are some recent Breaths of Heaven I have experienced….
- An impromptu gift wrapping session that became a lovely sharing of faith and friendship
- A dear friend’s mother, now in heaven with the Lord, after a battle with cancer
- Little voices that are excited when they hear their Nana on the phone
- Lunch with a sweet young friend – edifying and heartwarming
- Hugs from those I love, anytime, anywhere
- Being wished “Merry Christmas with stars on it!” by a woman at a Memory Care center (I just love that image!)
I invite you to close your eyes and recollect the simple ways God surrounds your day with Himself.
He is our zephyr, our background music, and our bright star. He has given us the greatest gift and life-force of all – His Son.
Let God’s gentle whispers wash over you…
And make you love and appreciate Him all the more.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! ~Psalm 150:6
beWARM 
Precious words, Toni – infused with the truth of the Breath of life! What an honor to sing this beautiful hymn for the dear, home-bound souls at the retirement community. To see the little lady who was so afraid of us the last time we were in the Memory Unit, standing beside you and smiling her delight and approval……….priceless, indeed…………
a soul touching experience, for sure, Betty. So glad we could share it!
I woke up feeling sorry for myself this morning because my recovery from surgery isn’t going as fast as I want it to. I read your post and listned to Breath of Heaven and now I feel so bad about complaining about my pain! Just think what Mary went through without the help of modern medicine! I am lucky and truly blessed. I think my day just got better! Thank you Toni!
Thank you for sharing, Lori! Sending prayers for your quick recovery….
…He is the giver….of “life”…so well expressed sweet, darling friend…..
Thanking Him for every breath……
Ohhhh how I love this song! It is so soothing, and I do feel HIs perfect peace wash over me when I hear this song. And I do agree, when it feels darker, harder, and heavier for me; I feel Christ’s peace enveloping and holding me. Thank you for sharing.