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Easter


I know that I am a person of the Book and a person of faith in God. But there is just something about once again reading the account of the resurrected Jesus and how he responded to his closest followers that remind me that the God I believe in is personal and relational. He's not a stone cold, carved image or just a fleeting wispy spirit, nor is he Mother Earth and only visible in his creation.

His followers did not believe it true that a crucified rabbi could rise again. They found an empty tomb and then oddly went away, back home; shut the doors, hoping they wouldn't be found by those who may try and kill them too for following that teacher. Mary Magdalene found the empty tomb, and in fact, she was the one to inform the others. But after they all left, she stayed behind and cried, it seemed that all continued to go so terribly wrong. First, the One that she believed in, who had indeed saved her from her sins, was horribly killed before her eyes, and now his body gone, what next? She was so distraught, that at first she didn't recognize Jesus when he appeared before her. That was until, he said her name, and then she knew; she knew that calming voice. . .

It was that voice that told his followers, "Peace be with you," when he appeared to all of them that Sunday evening. It was the same voice and words that calmed a stormy sea when they had feared they would die in their small boat. He repeated those words again, so aware of the disciples' fear and panic in actually seeing him alive. Then he breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit. Perhaps that was similar to when God first breathed life into mankind and breathed upon the earth to give it light and shape. But of course, one follower was missing from that event, the one we know as Thomas. He said he wouldn't believe unless he saw and felt the nail scarred hands and side. And yet, in only a few more days, Thomas was given his opportunity to do what he demanded. Amazingly, he believed as Jesus stood before him . . .

Yes, it's an extraordinary, unbelievable, supernatural event. Yet, there were those who actually saw him and believed. As for me, I'm left with just their witness and reminder that God is present in my days, my sorrow and my pain. He speaks and breathes his peace to fears and worries in my life. He is always here before me and able to heal my unbelief. . .

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