“Ashley’s Song”
Ashley Jean O’Rear was one of those rare gems -
a truly beautiful young girl whose inner beauty was matched only by her
outward spirit and smile. Her humble and bright person showed a
quiet strength that still serves as an inspiration to many. The
courage she displayed in her battle with such a dark force as cancer
was developed beyond her young years. And this is her legacy, her
gift – a powerful testimony that inspires so many in just so short a
time in which she lived.
I was truly humbled when one day at lunch her
father asked if I would write a song reflecting on Ashley’s life.
To be honest, a song had already begun forming, its notes stirring in
the final weeks of her earthly walk. As I sat at her funeral
watching the thousands walk by, I was overwhelmed by the strength,
peace, and faith of her parents and family. As I watched this
young father and mother say goodbye to their child, I was overwhelmed
by the presence of a spirit I could only describe as love in a pure
form, that love that only a parent can have for a child – a mirror of
God’s love for us, His feeble children.
It was this that became the basis of “Ashley’s
Song”. The center is a simple melody line, whose notes might
mimic the words, “when I think of Ashley, I will think of love.”
I’m sure that many were the doubts and wonders of
the unfairness of her situation, a puzzle not even the wisest or most
mature of us could ever solve. And though she may not have
understood many things, there is one thing that I am more than sure
that she understood: the fact that she was loved.
So to Paul, Susan, and Bubba, I present these simple
notes of a simple song – a humble reflection on a humble, short, yet
powerful life which is still being loved today.
Hear “Ashley’s Song” and learn more about her life here.
“Ashley’s Song (Canto de Ashley)”
Ashley Jean O’Rear era una de
esos tesoros raros – una niña naturalmente hermosa. Solo
su espirito y sonrisa era equivalentos a su hermosura de
caracter. Su humilde y brilloso manerismo enseñaba una
fortaleza que todavia inspira muchos. El valor manifestado
durante su duro batalla con cancer fue desarollado mas que su
edad. Y esto es su testimonio, su regalo – una poderosa historia
que todavia inspira tantos.
Me sentí humillado cuando su padre me pidio
que esribiera un canto sobre la vida de Ashley. Honestamente, el
canto ya habia sido formado, sus notas cantando en las ultimas semanas
de la vida de ella. Mientras que pasaban los milles en su
funeral, fui inspirado por la fortaleza y fé de sus padres y
familia. Mientras que veía estos padres despidiendose de
su hija, note el espiritu de amor puro en el lugar… ese amor que solo
un padre puede tener por sus hijos – una reflección del amor de
nuestro Dios para nosotros, sus hijos fragiles.
Esto fue el base de “El Canto de Ashley”. El
centro es una melodia simple, quienes notas cantan el frase, “cuando
pienso de Ashely, piensare de amor.”
Estoy seguro que hay muchas dudas y preguntas sobre
la enfermedad injusto de Ashley, preguntas que ni los mas sabios y
maduros hijos de Dios podrían contestar. Y aunque
había muchas cosas que ella no podría saber, de esto
estoy seguro: sabía que era muy amada.
Asi que a Paul, Susan, y Bubba, les presento estos
simples notas de una simple canción – una humilde
reflección de una corta pero poderosa vida que todavía
sigue siendo amado hoy.
Escucha “El Canto de Ashley” aquí.
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