Some Through the Fire

Greetings dear Readers,

I learned last night of a disaster that befell Toccoa Falls College, the school where I earned my baccalaureate degree and after graduate school taught there for many years. I love the place as it is a beautiful and graceful campus fit for learning and spiritual growth. On the campus is a magnificent water fall. Access to these falls was monitored by a gate cottage that held a gift shop, restaurant, and faculty offices.

Around two in the morning the building, Gate Cottage burned to the ground. Several professors lost all the contents of their offices with a new term looming on the horizon. This school has survived so many trials. The professors and staff there that I know are good people who sacrifice better pay and a better lifestyle to teach young Christ followers headed for ministry, teaching, counseling, and business. As I read the story I reflected on how many lovely memories I have of that place.

My children spent most of their childhood there. I still follow the lives of those I taught there. I also experienced great loss there. Some of that loss I am just now beginning to feel. What I would say to those now in crisis is simple and much better said in the words of an old hymn by George A. Young.

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,
God leads His dear children along.


Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.



Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.


Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.



Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.


Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.


Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity's day,
God leads His dear children along.


Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

The thing is that God does give a song and we must choose to sing it. My prayers are with my friends and I will choose to sing on their behalf.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn