The outside windchime, Finley snoring, and the hum of the air conditioner are familiar tunes I remember from the last time I sat to type. Even when my words went quiet, the Spirit was still composing something in my soul: another new song of praise, written as He carried me through another physical trial. A September song.
As the year and heat climb, there’s one song I don’t want on repeat. The cancer song has too many verses to memorize and a chorus that makes me sound tone-deaf.
My refrains mean the most when I meet the Master. I’m completely…undone. Beautifully broken. As I behold Him, it’s breathtaking. If you’ve experienced it, you understand the constant “dying to self.” It’s not a one-and-done situation. I’m human. Faulty. Forgiven. Free!
K.L. Hale
You may wonder how I can sing into September with so many sad verses being written in the world around us. They are disheartening, horrific, unthinkable, and many other things. Any manner of suffering in my old self creates a pitiful tune! Yes, I can lament like David in Psalm 22 (and Jesus on the cross). But repeating the SAME tune, without adding purposeful praise and perspective, will make it sound as though I muted the Master!
When others want to rap in raucous repetition, clamor in cacophony, or hum in numb indifference, I’ll remember the lyrics of our Lord that lift in love. I’ll keep singing, no matter the circumstances, in September.
K.L. Hale
Friends, I wrote September’s Song after my sweet Dad’s surgery, my outpatient procedure, and follow-up appointments. Sadly, our family lost a dear member two nights ago. With tears I re-read this article. Many songs came to my mind. From “It is Well with my Soul” to “How can I keep from Singing?”. In tears I sang several songs and listened to different genres that reminded me of my walk and faith–and also, childhood and recent memories. Music moves me. But I’m permanently fastened to faith-the song that will always be on repeat–it’s the promise of our Savior that never changes!
May your September bring timeless tunes of tranquil and truth, dear friends.💕
Do you know how LOVED YOU ARE? Hold on to hope. Fasten your faith, friends!
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Sorry for your loss. Just because one song is ended, it doesn’t mean there’s not another in the queue. I believe life will always give us something to sing about, whether in this world or the next.
I’m with you, Tippy! There’s always a song. But singing that darn cancer song is old so I’m moving on to new ones! There’s nothing like finding the music in life. No matter what!
I’ve missed you tons! It’s been a surreal summer. Perhaps when the cooler breezes blow–now that my treatments (other than monthly shots and infusions) will be “less” impactful, I’ll be here more. I’m so thankful for you and C and how you root for me from afar (not a “fire”).
You ran the summer gauntlet of treatments, and you made it. I hope the coming fall months lead to a cooling-off period from all that medical stuff. And yes, C and I, and everyone else, are rooting for you.
Thank you, Tippy! The “summer gauntlet of treatments”–well put!
Cooling off period. I’m ready to lace my boots another year, my friend. THANK YOU!!
“dying to self. It’s not a one-and-done situation. I’m human. Faulty. Forgiven. Free!”
Amen, sister. AMEN!!
It’s good to hear from you again. I’m
Sorry to hear about your losing a family member. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
Thank you, dear brother! It’s so good to read your response and “see” you. Thank you for your prayers and love. I know that the family will appreciate all the prayers, too! I’m praying for you and yours (and the school!)! ❤️🙏🏻
I’m sorry for your loss.🌷
THank you so much, my friend. ❤️🙏🏻
Spirit is ever speaking to your soul Karla. And my heart is there also for your loss kind lady. Those moments seem to still us to feel what it truly means for those moments, asking us what it meant to us truly. And in that a different path is made by the changes we find. And yes, those songs will ever remind us of whats in our hearts, and as you said…’Music moves me. But I’m permanently fastened to faith-the song that will always be on repeat–it’s the promise of our Savior that never changes!’.
Much love and light coming over Karla, and big hugs as that connection from above is ever with you through these moments. Thinking of you 🌹❤️🙏🌟🐕🦓🕊️
Here I am…late, but I made it, dear friend!
I feel your heart and prayers, Mark. I wrote a poem for this dear family member in which the line, “The way memory touches memory until even grief becomes proof that you were here” came to my heart in a way that all emotions are “proof” of our humanity and the way Jesus created us. Emotional. Human. STILL, with his love and indwelling Spirit we can feel an inexplainable peace and strength that ONLY COMES from Him. And each of those moments might look different–but they all have the same source of comfort and truth. You know?!?
Much love and light to you too, dear friend. Finn and I feel the hugs and prayers! I pray you are doing well, too! 💕🥰🍂🍁🎶🐩🦓🤗🙏🏻
Your never late Karla, a flower in a field can be seen for a long, long time before I get there kind lady. And appreciated all the more because of that. He has your bloom down here so many can see that love wherever you are 🌹❤️🙏
And yes, we do ‘know’ it all has a resonance, ever that unconditional love is shown from all those emotions we have. Even grief dares us to look so deeply and realise just how loving we’ve become, and unconditional as that awareness opens our hearts 🥰🦓❤️
I hope your last health visits have treated you well so a nice snug winter is restful and peaceful Karla. Big hugs to you, family and Finn, lots of love and blessings and a prayer to you all 🤗🫶🏻🌟🐕🦓🎶🕊️🌹❤️🙏
My heart is heavy for you at this moment, Karla. I’m sorry for your loss.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
Thank you, dear G.W. I love that verse.
This summer I bought a Psalms journal–it’s been a blessing to read and journal each day.
I’m feeling hope and love, always. My heart breaks for the family. Your prayers and kindness are so appreciated. I’m praying for you, my friend.
thank you for reminding, Karla, how to sing the Lord’s praises, His endless love; your beautiful simple words, thr domestic scene, Finley snoring …. then …. dad”s death; hugs: John
Yes….singing praises, John. His endless love no matter what. Many many hugs, dear firend! Thank you for your support and friendship!
Sorry for your loss Karla, may you be comforted knowing the separation is only temporary. I am praying for you.
Maryann
Maryann,
Thank you, dear friend. Your prayers are felt! I’m comforted indeed. Many blessings and hugs to you!
Karla, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope memories and the knowledge that your loved one will continue to live in your heart will bring you comfort and peace.
Love, Ginger
Sweet Ginger,it’s the memories that are so precious to our large family. There’s such a lingering sadness that only love and memories will cover. For me, it’s the promise of a future reunion and the constant Presence of God, even in the midst of the loss.
Little Finley and I love you! I hope this September is treating you ok? And that you feel our love and prayers. I’ve given her belly rubs from you. ❤️🙏❤️🐾
Sorry to read of your loss, Karla. Glad you are hanging in there still singing! The chaos around us will always be there it seems. Just stay focused on your Source and you will be fine.
Amen, Dwight 🙏 thank you so much! It will always be “well with my soul” even though it might be difficult, I’ll never lose hope and faith. I pray you are healing and getting stronger? I’m praying 🙏
You are welcome, Karla. Thank you for your concern for my health. I had a Thoracic Echocardiogram done yesterday and everything looks good. The swelling is gone and my ejection fraction has gone from 25-35% to 65% PTL Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness, Dwight! That’s AMAZING!!!! What a jump! Stage 4 congestive heart….to 65%!!! My dad’s went from low 30’s to 50-something. PTL! You are miracles! I pray your heart continues to stay strong and beat like your amazing soul!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Karla! Yes, I hope so too!
You’re most welcome, dear friend!
Ah, September IS a song to my heart – and so dear Karla is your friendship. I am sorry for your loss of your dear family member – but I am confident that that worldly separation is only temporary. I hope your father continues to improve and heal and that your treatments bring more relief and healing than pain. Your words and post reminded me of a favorite Dolly song – Light of a Clear Blue Morning. Her words accompanied me on many a morning walk. Know that YOU are accompanied in prayer on my morning walks now.
Erika, what a joy to “see” you! It doesn’t surprise me that September is a song to you, too!
I share that confidence with you…of the temporary separation~ and the healing from it all!
I’ve been listening to a LOT of Dolly’s songs. We were at one of Dad’s appointments when we heard of her passing. The Light of a Clear Blue Morning was one I’ve played a few times this past week.
It’s such a blessing to know I’m with you on that beautiful walk. I’m so happy of your healing, of mine,…and how we can hike together in our heavenly journey!
Sending love and prayers, my sweet friend.🎶🙏♥️
❤️
♥️🐾🐾🐾 I was gone yesterday all day but will catch up with you~ thank you for being you, MAK. We love you
We love you, too. You are truly brave and good. Finn taught you well. 🐩❤️
She truly did! Thank you, awww. ❤️🐾🐾
🐩❤️
“May your September bring timeless tunes of tranquil and truth, dear friends.” Same to you Karla. Sorry for your family’s loss. Your post reminded me of an old Sunday school teacher I had as a kid. She told us kids that she didn’t sing as well as she did when she was younger. Her voice wasn’t as a smooth and was off key. But she was going to keep at it . . . because God’s promise remained the same. Peace to you friend.
Thank you, my friend. What a wonderful memory of a special teacher!
Your kindness and friendship are appreciated!
A friend and I would always say, “All God’s children have a place in the choir!” And Grandma would say, “Sing loud and proud.” Lol. Such precious memories!🎶😂♥️🙏
Karla, I pray the coming weeks will be even better than you expect! I am also sorry for your loss. That sounds so inadequate to express my desire to comfort you. So I pray the Lord Himself will comfort you, as I know He will. You are a bright light in a dark world! Henry and I send love and prayers to you and Finley. May God bless you richly as you serve Him! 💕🙏🐾
You’re so thoughtful and kind, Cindy. The peace of Christ is carrying me~ through it all. In the moments of shock, grief, and in happy times, I will always cling to His Presence.
Thank you for being a light in this world too, Cindy. The encouragement we can provide one another, along with powerful prayer, makes a difference in our walks in Him!
Please give little Henry tons of hugs and kisses. Finley and I love you both so much! God bless you and keep you!♥️🙏🐾❤️♥️🙏
“Beautifully broken. As I behold Him, it’s breathtaking. If you’ve experienced it, you understand the constant “dying to self.” It’s not a one-and-done situation. I’m human. Faulty. Forgiven. Free!”
Beautifully written, sweet Karla! I am so sorry for the loss of a family member. May our perfect Father grant you “the peace that passes understanding.”
Love and prayer always 🙏🏻🧡🍂🧡🙏🏻
Thank you, precious Pam. ♥️🙏 please keep this special family in your prayers.
As always, you, Butch, and your family are in mine. I love you dearly.♥️🙏🎶❤️🩹
Love and condolences on your loss, dear friend. And thank you for this bracing reminder: “Beautifully broken. As I behold Him, it’s breathtaking. If you’ve experienced it, you understand the constant ‘dying to self.’ It’s not a one-and-done situation.” Indeed, it isn’t. But there’s no greater gift than walking with Him through it all. 🧡💪
Thank you, dear friend. Amen! There’s no greater gift! I appreciate you, Mitch ♥️🙏
I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢🙏 Prayers for continued strength and comfort.
Thank you, precious Kelley. My heart breaks for my cousin’s immediate family–wife & daughter, parents, brother. I had to write a poem to “process” it (you understand this). The ripple effect it has on the Finley River–and the precious memories of a life so beautiful. God bless you, my friend. 💕🙏🏻
Warm, tight hugs dear friend 🧡!! Keep singing! When on the brink of tears, singing does bring healing! Praying and holding your family close over this hard time of loss. Love you, Karla! 🩷🩷🩷
Thank you, precious C. The dam “broke” and the tears have flowed. It’s been such a cleansing time.
The broken places of life, mixed with the beauty, and the decision/hope/faith/perseverance/opportunity to choose to take one step forward…to celebrate a life well-lived,…and use that to lean on the ways we are shaped through love and loss in life.
I love you, C. Thank you for walking alongside me these years. You’re a blessing!❤️❤️🫶🏻💕🙏🏻
Love you girl! I am glad you were able to let the dam break and could feel the cleansing of tears.
💛💛🩷
I will continue to walk by your side dear friend!!! 🩷
Even through the hardest seasons, may God keep giving you a song of Faith, Hope, and Praise. You are such a Warrior of Faith …
Praying for you and your family. 🙏
Willie, you’re a precious brother in Christ. Thank you, dear friend. You and yours are loved. I just prayed for you all. 💕🙏🏻
God Bless You my Dear Sister… Thank You for the Prayers 🙏🤗♥️
It’s my blessing, Willie ❤️🙏🤗