It Is Well

We received a new batch of bracelets last week with the phrase “It Is Well” on them. The story behind this phrase is almost impossible to imagine.

“It Is Well With My Soul” is a hymn written by Horatio Spafford following some very traumatic events in his life. He lost a son at the age of 2 in a fire, suffered financial hardship in the 1870s and then lost his 4 daughters when their ship which was sailing to Europe collided with another and sank. His wife Anna was the only survivor. The Spaffords later had three more children, one of which died at the age of 4 to Scarlet Fever.

The beautiful words he penned in reflection of his grief show such strength

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

It’s inspiring, comforting and yet I, like so many of you, struggle to feel “well”.

Taken at face value, the words almost lead you to to believe that no matter what happens it’s all “good” despite the grief and sorrow of having suffered these types of losses and tragedy.

This hymn began to resonate with me when I thought about the fact that it is well with me that Madison exists in my heart and my life. Her soul and spirit influences every decision I make just as my boys do. It will never be ok that she is not here with me physically and I do not understand why it had to be this way. I do however, feel very blessed and fortunate that she exists. I cannot imagine my life without her.

For that reason, it is well with my soul.