Because He Lives
By Deana
Obviously, I don't own the hymn.
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Aramis stopped walking; emotions making his throat clog up. He inhaled a ragged breath that shook through his entire body, and he felt a hand touch his arm in support. He started to walk again, into the church for the Easter Sunday service.
The Savoy Massacre had occurred on Good Friday the year before…he'd spent that Easter sitting in the snow, near death from a severe concussion and stab wound in his side. It was a miracle that he'd survived; he truly hadn't expected to. This first anniversary had been very difficult for him, and even though the holiday dates were very different that year, he would always associate the massacre with Easter.
Suddenly, Aramis was sitting in a pew, with Athos and Porthos on either side. He'd asked them to come with them and was glad when they'd agreed; especially since Athos had hesitated at first.
Before them was a large cross on the wall, with the figure of Jesus hanging upon it. Aramis always felt sorrow at the sight, upset at what Jesus had gone through in order to take upon himself the sins of the world. Aramis much preferred a cross without Jesus on it, as it signified that Jesus had risen afterwards, alive and victorious. Alive meant hope.
Alive…the musketeers in Savoy were no longer alive…only he was. He'd often wondered why he'd been the only one to return to Paris out of the whole troupe, and he'd never come up with an answer. Not for the first time, Aramis wondered how he was supposed to go on day after day, carrying the burden of Savoy.
Suddenly he was being tugged to stand up, and Aramis realized that it was time for a hymn.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.
Aramis sucked in a breath, as the song seemed to answer his inward thoughts. He could carry on living because Jesus had died for him, enabling his soul to be saved. God was with him every day, he'd always felt it…and he knew now that God would always be there.
The hymn came to the chorus again, and this time, Aramis joined in.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.
A lightness filled Aramis' soul, lifting his depression. He looked again to the crucifix, and said an inward prayer thanking Jesus for allowing himself to be sacrificed for the world.
A hand squeezed his arm and he looked to the right, to see Porthos giving him a concerned look.
Aramis realized that tears had slipped down his face…but they were tears of joy, not heartache. He smiled at Porthos, giving a shake of his head to tell him that he was fine.
Porthos was surprised at the smile, and smiled back with relief.
Aramis next turned his smile on Athos, who was likewise glad to see Aramis happy.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
Aramis vowed to remember that. He could face tomorrow and each day after, because he had a wonderful Savior who would help him do it.
THE END