The Healing Hand of God

I was on my way home on this horrible day when I heard this song. I knew right away that it was no coincidence. Today, a tragic school bus accident took the life of a beautiful teen in my hometown. When I was in high school, Jessica was such a sweet kid that I often talked to after Sunday Mass. She held a special place in my heart, as does her whole family. She grew into a wonderful young woman, and the loss of her life will affect the whole community.

Lord, please hold the Brinker family close to your heart during this most difficult time. Please give them the strength and courage of your mother, Mary, as they mourn the loss of their child and sister. Hold the students of John F. Hodge in your healing hands. As this school year starts, be in the hallways as they walk them without their dear friend. Hold the Red Regiment Marching Band together as they march with a hole in their line. Please carry the whole St. James community through this terrible time. And please open the gates of heaven wide to accept your daughter, Jessica.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Ashley Scanlon-Smith, pray for us.

The Healing Hand of God - Jeremy Camp

I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain
I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain
So if life's journey has you weary and afraid
There's rest in the shadow of His wings

I have walked through the valleys, the mountains, and plains
I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains
If you feel the weight of many trials and burdens from this world
There's freedom in the shelter of the Lord

And I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out
The healing hand of God

And I have touched the scars upon His hands to see if they were real
He has walked the road before me, he knows just how I feel
When you feel that there's not anyone, who understands your pain
Just remember all of Jesus' suffering

'Cause I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out

Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you
He's near to the broken and confused
By His stripes our spirit is renewed
So enter in the joy prepared for you

I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out

The healing hand of God
The healing hand of God
The healing hand of God

And hold on to what's being held out
(Hold on)
And hold on to what's being held out
(Hold on)
The healing hand of God, oh, oh