I woke up this morning in utter despair.
Then the song that I was listening to last night came back into my head…
Natalie Grant
Held
…We’re asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it’s unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We’d be held
please listen.
melissaconnerblog 
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Praying you feel held today.
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I have been reading your blog and following your story since I first saw it on the news last week. At the time, I did not realize that my friend Nikki’s kiddos are your piano students. She spoke of what a great big brother Lucas was and how sweet he was with his siblings. In reading all of the comments about Lucas, all I can think of is how I hope and pray that when my children get older, their light will shine like Lucas’ did and that their peers and teachers will see God in them like they have seen it in Lucas. What an amazing testament to his character and to all you have taught him as a mother. So many times over the last few days, I have heard and thought of songs and felt moved to share them with you (Casting Crowns, “Praise You in this Storm”; Hillsong, “Desert Song”; Michael W. Smith, “I Hear Leesha”; Tenth Avenue North, “Hold My Heart”). This morning as I was driving to work, Amy Grant’s song “Better than a Hallelujah” came on and I thought of you once again.
“God loves a lullaby
In a mother’s tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes…..
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah……
Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out.”
-Amy Grant, “Better than a Hallelujah”
I hope this blog has shown you how many mothers and fathers, families, strangers and friends are standing with you in prayer each day. I will continue to pray for you and your family as you praise Him in this storm.
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Yes, I’ve been listening to that song multiple times since you lost your dear Lucas. The first time the song had deep understanding for me was when Elizabeth Arrick found her 18 month old child lifeless in her crib.
God promises,,,,you will be HELD ,,,,,the rest of your life. Praying you can feel God’s loving arms holding you right now !
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Please know that in the midst of your unfathomable suffering…..from the depths of your despair, God is using you to bless us….and to teach us what His infinite grace looks like. He has reached out through you today and spoken to my hurting heart. Thank you so very much.
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I’m praying for you to be Held in our Father’s arms today. May you feel the prayers of so many lifting you and your family up today and give you strength for each moment.
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Melissa,
That is one of my absolute favorite songs – it is so powerful! I’ve been praying for you and your family daily, throughout the days as you come to my mind often. My specific prayer has been for God to wrap His loving arms around you and help you to feel His presence with you each moment of these difficult days.l, to hold you through it.
“This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was when everything fell, we’d be held.”
I didn’t know Lucas but his story has embedded itself deeply into my heart in a powerful way. May you continue to feel God’s love and grace, Him holding you tight through the storm.
With love and prayers,
Courtney
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Melissa you amaze me! Your depth of your faith and strength is inspiring. May you feel the arms wrapped around you squeezing you tight today and forward.
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What do people do without faith? The simple word faith means everything we must believe that there is a God and pray to his mother Mary as she knew his fate for all of us. Whether you believe it or not…they are there waiting watching to catch us. I pray to Mother Mary to wrap her arms around my children and their wives and of course my grandkids.
I pray for you Melissa and your precious family. Especially today as you put your beautiful boy to rest. We know he is with you by your side. Momma I’m OK.
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This song was so comforting to me when my dear friend had a stillborn baby 9 years ago. He surely holds those who hurt. Just collapse in his arms and let your heavenly daddy hold you.
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Beautiful beautiful song. It says it all !!!!!br
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I have always loved this song. What a comfort to know that no matter what, we are “Held”. Please know that in the midst of your unfathomable suffering…..from the depths of your despair, God is using you to bless us….and to teach us what His infinite grace looks like. He has reached out through you today and spoken to my hurting heart. Thank you so very much.
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……and when there’s only one set of footprints it’s because I was carrying you. ❤️
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Melissa, this very song came to mind during Lucas’s memorial. I’m so glad you know this song, and that it can be a comfort to you. Thank you for allowing all of us to be a part of his service; it was simply beautiful. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Kristin (and Mara) DeLooff
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What a beautiful song. I, too, have Lucas and your family firmly imbedded in my heart and I continue to pray that Jesus and his mother Mary hold you tightly in their arms. 💙
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Beautiful song. Praying today that you feel held.
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