“Lucy”

September 8, 2026July 1, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

There are stories of regret, disappointment, failure, and grief every day. Most of them don’t become song lyrics unless they have something to do with Taylor Swift, though. Dealing with those issues in life can be difficult or challenging to say the least. Despite the story, how it affects an individual can vary, and the length of time it affects them. Some people, at least without help of any kind, may never totally get over the event.

One young couple’s experience did turn into a song. “Lucy” by Skillet. “Lucy” is about grief, regret, and the emotional aftermath of an abortion. John Cooper, of the group Skillet, later confirmed that the song tells the story of a young couple who chose abortion, then found themselves overwhelmed with sorrow, guilt, and the longing for the child they never got to meet.

What the song means at its core

The heart of “Lucy” is regret—the kind that lingers, reshapes you, and forces you to confront what can’t be undone. Cooper originally kept the meaning vague so listeners could apply it to any kind of loss, but the emotional DNA of the song is unmistakably tied to a couple’s abortion, the grief that followed, their attempt to find closure, naming the unborn child “Lucy.” The song is written like a letter or a graveside confession, where the narrator imagines the life Lucy might have had and expresses the pain of knowing those moments will never exist.

Themes woven through the lyrics

Irreversible loss — The narrator kneels at Lucy’s grave, symbolizing the finality of the decision.
Guilt and self‑reproach — Lines like “I can’t live with myself today” reflect the emotional weight of the choice.
Longing for redemption — The hope of seeing Lucy “in another life” points to spiritual healing and the desire for forgiveness.
Imagined future — The song paints a picture of the life they could have had, intensifying the grief.

Why the song resonates with so many

Even though the specific story is about abortion, Cooper emphasized that the emotions are universal: regret, mourning, wishing you could go back and choose differently. Many listeners connect it to miscarriages, breakups, death, or any moment where life took a turn they wish they could undo.

I’ve had at least one of those kinds of moments of deep regret. And sure enough, I’m always thinking if I could go back and take a different path. But my story goes that I didn’t. Only with God’s help have I learned to accept the facts. He has healed me of the hurt to myself, and I pray for the hurt of others who were caught up in the wake of my actions. Life goes on. You can’t stay in the same month and year in which the event came to a head. Accept God’s forgiveness and forgive yourself. Learn from it, and go and sin no more, as Jesus might say.

I’ve attached the lyrics of the song “Lucy” by Skillet if you would like to read them.

[Verse 1]
Hey, Lucy, I remember your name
I left a dozen roses on your grave today
I’m in the grass on my knees, wipe the leaves away
I just came to talk for a while
Got some things I need to say

[Chorus]
Now that it’s over
I just want to hold her
I’d give up all the world to see
That little piece of Heaven lookin’ back at me
Now that it’s over
I just want to hold her
I’ve got to live with the choices I made
And I can’t live with myself today

[Verse 2]
Hey Lucy, I remembered your birthday
They said it’d bring some closure to say your name
I know I’d do it all different if I had the chance
But all I got are these roses to give
And they can’t help me make amends!

[Chorus]
Now that it’s over
I just want to hold her
I’d give up all the world to see
That little piece of Heaven lookin’ back at me
Now that it’s over
I just want to hold her
I’ve got to live with the choices I made
And I can’t live with myself today

John 11:35

November 1, 2024November 1, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“And Jesus Wept” statue in Oklahoma City.

As a child growing up in church, there were often scripture memory challenges. The first scripture most kids learned was “John 11:35.” “Jesus wept.” Let’s face it, it was easy. I struggle today to remember the reference to where a scripture is, but at least I know what is in the Bible and what is not. I think knowing that for myself is more important than the location. Besides, I can type the portion of scripture I recall, and my computer will find the reference for me.

But back to this verse. If you recall, Jesus’ friend Lazarus was sick, and the family sent word to Jesus to come and heal him. Instead, Jesus continued to teach and do miracles while he ministered to others.

When he arrived at Lazarus’ home, they told him he was too late. That Lazarus had already died. There was much sorrow, and the family was stricken with grief. When Jesus saw how great their sorrow was, he wept. He didn’t weep because his good friend Lazarus had died because he knew what he was about to do, but instead, he was overcome with their pain and sorrow. I believe that is why he wept.

Jesus cares for us when we are sad and grief-stricken today, too. He wants us to lean on him to get through those times. At least long enough until the sting of death starts wearing off.

I once wrote about Lazarus from his point of view. My editor asked me with a snarky tone, “How do you know Lazarus wanted to come back to life?” Her question stumped me for almost a week. Then I received the answer from on high (God). I told her, “It didn’t matter if Lazarus wanted to come back to life or not. He just wanted to be obedient to the Lord Jesus!” So when Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come forth,” he obeyed.

Funny thought: If Jesus had only said, “Come forth,” I think all of the dead in that area would have come back to life. I’m not sure, but I could see it happening.

Jesus waited four days before traveling to Lazarus’ home. He wanted everyone to know that he had power over death, too. And he didn’t want anyone to say something like, “Well, Lazarus wasn’t really dead.” The fact of the matter is, he was so dead, he stunk!

Takeaways: Know for yourself what is in the Bible. You do that by reading it. Know that Jesus has power over death. That is how he can promise us eternal life if we accept him into our lives. And know that Jesus hurts when we hurt. He truly cares about us and what is important to us.

If you want to read the whole story for yourself, turn to John 11:1-44.

What Do You Say?

April 21, 2023April 18, 2023 / Mark Brady / 6 Comments

I have heard it said several times the shortest story is this; For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn. This week, I have witnessed that short story come true. It has broken my heart, yet I am not even related to the child. The sadness has consumed my thoughts. I have prayed for the parents and the family a lot.

What do you say to someone personally connected to this tragic event or any other gut-wrenching life situation? Words are so hard to come by. I asked April for help, and she replied, “You’re the writer!” I admit everything that came to my mind seemed so empty.

I read in Richard Exley’s book, “Blue Collar Christianity,” that sometimes, just being there is enough. Touching their arm, placing yours around their shoulder, or holding their hand if appropriate speaks volumes. It tells the individual walking waist-deep in grief, hurt, or pain that you are there with them and that you wish they weren’t going through this experience, but at least they are not going through it alone.

Of course, God is right there with them as well. And the Holy Spirit is the greatest comforter, but people can’t see them, and some fail to realize they are there. They can see people who care, though, so they find comfort in knowing that people care. Another reason to express your concern the best you can. Some will cook a meal, and others will send a card or flowers. Some might show up in person and give a hug. As I wound up doing, you can always ask God what to say. Regardless of whether the words were correct doesn’t matter; they know I care.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— John 14:16 (AMPC)

Prayer: “Father God, be with the family that has suffered this traumatic loss. Holy Spirit, comfort them. Help them today and in the days to come. As they search desperately for a reason and for someone to blame, may they not blame you, God, but understand this happened because we live in a world of free will and, therefore, of sin. May they run closer to you, God, and not from you. And God, I pray this for anyone in the world who is struggling, hurting, and needing you. Amen.”

Registered Mail

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

A woman entered the area of life called “Grief!” This time hurt worse, for it was her mother. She had cared for her mother for the last several years, doing her best to meet her needs even while struggling to take care of her own.

About a week after celebrating her mother’s life and laying her to rest, a friend felt prompted to send her a message. A love letter from God. They prayed, typed out the message, and sent it via “Messenger.” If you are unaware, Messenger lets you see if your message has been read. The friend felt another prompting and went into the app only to see the note from God had not been opened yet.

They cut and pasted the words of love and, this time, sent it as a text message to the friend’s phone. It worked, and the message was read and received. Here is the grieving daughter’s response to God’s message:

“I want you to know your message is very timely and divine. It feels like God himself is speaking to me.”

The friend replied, “God was speaking to you. He likes to partner with those who take time to listen to his still small voice and then take action—obeying his promptings. God wanted you to know you have been on his mind, and he loves you, cares for you, and knows what you are going through. He wanted to wrap you up in his favorite comforter, the Holy Spirit”

It’s essential to be an agent of God, a messenger for those who struggle to hear his voice for themselves due to a number of potential reasons. It does take time to receive the message and then transmit it to the individual. But then go the extra mile to ensure the message was received and opened. Just like sending “registered mail.”

Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
1 Peter 4:10-11 (MSG)

Three Days of Darkness

October 17, 2018October 15, 2018 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

dispel There is nothing like the fear that comes from physical, or emotional darkness. When you can’t see your way, and you have no clue on when and where light will come. Your heart can pound like a concert bass drum.

Exo 10:21-23 MSG GOD said to Moses: “Stretch your hand to the skies. Let darkness descend on the land of Egypt–a darkness so dark you can touch it.” Moses stretched out his hand to the skies. Thick darkness descended on the land of Egypt for three days. Nobody could see anybody. For three days no one could so much as move. Except for the Israelites: they had light where they were living.

Another time, when there was darkness on the earth, for three days, was when the Son of God, Jesus died. You talk about your only ray of light going out and sickness settling in, to the very depths of your being. Jesus had once said, “I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me won’t have to stay any longer in the dark.” (Joh 12:46 MSG) Three days of darkness, until Jesus was resurrected from the dead, then Light once again walked on the earth.

Are you stumbling around in life desperately running your hand along the wall, panicking as you look for the switch? Has your darkness lasted much longer than three days? Don’t get angry, as Pharaoh did. Don’t let your heart be hardened, as his did, and definitely don’t shake your fist at God. He may be allowing the darkness, to move you toward Him, who is Light. Accept Light. Accept God. Try living in a way, where you can see your way, by believing in God’s way.