endless night

I saw "The Lion King" tonight on Broadway. First, let me say how amazing it really is. I've heard the hype and now I can say that it has not only lived up to its reputation, but is also very worth going and seeing for yourself.

Of course I got teary-eyed during "Circle of Life" - the introduction is beautifully done and I just love the song anyway. But I was more shocked and moved to tears when Simba sang "Endless Night" I found it to be so symbolic of the many thoughts and prayers of my heart that have been sent into the heavens.

Lately, things have gotten a little crazy in my New York City life and I have asked myself how am I going to find my way back - my way home. Like Simba sings, I also know the sun will rise on the night of my depression or heartache.

Here's a snippet and the lyrics for your pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7AeTFYsBg

Where has the starlight gone?
Dark is the day
How can I find my way home?

Home is an empty dream
Lost to the night
Father, I feel so alone

You promised you'd be there
Whenever I needed you
Whenever I call your name
You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on
Just waiting to hear your voice
One word, just a word will do
To end this nightmare

When will the dawning break
Oh endless night
Sleepless I dream of the day

When you were by my side
Guiding my path
Father, I can't find the way

You promised you'd be there
Whenever I needed you
Whenever I call your name
You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on
Just waiting to hear your voice
One word, just a word will do
To end this nightmare

I know that the night must end
And that the sun will rise
And that the sun will rise

I know that the clouds must clear
And that the sun will shine
And that the sun will shine

I know that the night must end
And that the sun will rise
And that the sun will rise
I know that the clouds must clear
And that the sun will shine
And that the sun will shine
(Repeat to end)

I know
Yes, I know
The sun will rise
Yes, I know
I know
The clouds must clear

I know that the night must end
I know that the sun will rise
And I'll hear your voice deep inside

I know that the night must end
And that the clouds must clear
The sun
The sun will rise
The sun
The sun will rise

You have been caught Jey Walking! (Hakuna Mata!)

the wanderering stranger

A couple of weeks ago I was on my way to the doctor's office to get my latest test results. While on the train I decided to listen to the "Reflections of Christ" soundtrack (check it out!) I began to ponder the trail of disaster I have left behind me in my lifetime. I thought about all the people I've wronged, harmed, hurt or ignored. I thought about lives I may have destroyed or changed negatively. I thought about how many times the Savior has come to my undeserving rescue - all the miracles I have benefited from unworthily.

While these thoughts overwhelmed my mind and tugged on my heart strings, the song "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" One of the verses gets me every time:

"Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood."

I began to weep - which isn't hard for me to do - I admit openly that I am quite the sensitive person and am prone to crying, but not so much in public, in NYC or on a subway. I couldn't help it. Like the song says, Jesus has sought me even when I have ignored him, left him or was trying to run from him. He calls after me by name, with open arms, waiting to see me and hold and protect me once more (but not in a weird, stalker way).

As my thoughts turned to the Savior the next verse hit me with just as much magnitude:

"O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;"

I began to silently pray to God:

"Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above."

If that wasn't enough the following song was "Amazing Grace" - so obviously the same feelings swelled up within me. As I continued towards my appointment other songs that sent powerful messages to me were "Be Still, My Soul" and then "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"

At that point all of this withholding of tears and sniffling and thoughts swirling around from my mind to heart through my soul got to me. I stopped near a somewhat secluded spot off the sidewalk and just let it out-I was compelled to kneel down right there to pray, but it's NYC so my fear overcame my faith.

Once I was able to regain some sense of "normalcy" I looked up at some a group of small birds washing themselves in the puddles of fresh rainwater on the ground. Maybe I am weird or taking it the wrong way, but it just seem to remind of the Atonement. In some way, it seemed the Spirit was saying - yes, you have sinned and have done some terrible things to yourself and many, many others - BUT - you can be cleansed, made whole again - Christ has died for you TOO and He will accept you if you will accept Him. I love little birds fluttering in puddles of water while the sun shines down on them - it's a beautiful sight, unless they're pigeons.

If this weren't enough of a story I finally made it to my doctor's office. I am sure I scared some people getting an HIV test as I walked into an HIV/AIDS clinic crying my eyes out-but maybe they needed to see it.

I got my results and in case you haven't heard...

After less than a month of medication, my T-cells went up from 360 to 444 and my viral load plummeted down from 68,811 to 476. To be considered "undetectable" my viral load must drop below 48 copies. My goal is to be undetectable before my 30th birthday in July, but in all likelihood - it will happen by the next time I get tested in March.

So, what's this post about? I meant to write it the day this all happened - I had so much to say about the miracle God has granted me. I have so much gratitude for those who fasted with me before I took the medication and for those who continue to pray on my behalf.

I bear you my testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for everyone; yes, you and me too. He died for our sins, sicknesses, sadness, trials, tribulations, even our lost dreams and so much more - that's why it is infinite. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that He know me by name and loves me still. It's amazing and truly a blessing.

You have been caught Jey Walking! (Doubt not; Fear not!)