It’s about 2 am. The smoke is still in the air. The explosions are still lighting up the sky and the sounds are still amid the streets. It is indeed a New Year. The group had an incredible view of Metro Manila and was blessed to count down to 2014 with this new family we have created. 

    A team mate and I prayed out of 2013 and into 2014 during the countdown. It was an incredible rush of excitement as our eyes lit up with fireworks and dreams of what 2014 will hold for us. The minute we finished praying, God put the song “Hold Me” by Jamie Grace in my head. This song carries much meaning in my walk with the Father. The first mission trip He blessed me with was in Jacksonville with a group called Words to Works. This song was the theme of our music station at the VBS our group was in charge of. Therefore, when God put this song on my heart, the feeling of God’s true love rushed to me immediately. It is associated with the first time that I recall experiencing God while simply loving on people and serving. In that week, I witnessed God’s love for ALL of His children, not only the ones that sat next to me in the pew.

         I felt the Father’s arms embrace me in a hug that only a father and child can experience. No matter the anger, pain, frustration, and resentment that we sometimes show to our Father, He still opens His arms and invites us to weep with Him. Saved by Grace.

I love the way He holds me.