According to Steve Chapman in his book “A Look at Life from a Deer Standâ€, this is a true story told by a father to his little girl who had brought him comfort years before when he was facing a time of great testing. The verses were written by Lilah Gustafson and read at her father’s funeral. It reminds fathers (and all of us) of how much our Heavenly Father cares for us.                                                                                              Â
                                   SKIPPING IN THE DARK
She trembled with fear as they entered the night to shadows like shrouds o’er the land.
She whimpered, “I’m scared of the darkness aheadâ€. He said, “Here, my child, hold my hand.â€
She offered hers up and she clasped it in his, her wee little fist in his palm.
The strength of his grip, and the love in his touch, to her quivering heart brought a calm.
Her fears now allayed and her courage restored, she bounced by his side with a lark.
And feeling the grasp of his hand in hers, she said, “Look! I can skip in the dark!â€
Her daddy looked down at his dear little girl, so trusting, so sure of his care.
For though she could not see the path in the dark, she feared not, for Daddy was there.
The Lord sent a message through his little girl that bolstered his own troubled mind.
“I ever am with you; I’ll guard every step wherever your pathway may wind.
For I am thy God, I will hold your right hand, fear not, Dear One, I will help thee,
For I am continually here by your side, still holding your hand. Trust in me.â€
With tears in his eyes, he looked up to the heavens; the stars gave brightness to night.
God prodded his heart, “There’s no darkness on earth can ever extinguish the light.
Look up hurting child, and give me your hand, there’s light on your pathway so stark.
My hold will not fail, you’re secure in my grasp; you, too, child can skip in the dark.â€
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’â€Â Isaiah 41:13