He is Risen!
He is Risen, indeed!
We made it, ya’ll….these 40 days of lent have been like none other, right? When we began this journey together on February 26th (you know….10,453 days ago) how could we have known what these days would bring – that we would be finding shelter not only in our homes but with one another? It’s hard to find words today (even for me!) to communicate the depth of emotion over the impact of the events of the past 40 days, and I will in no way minimize the very real turmoil the shutting down of our daily routines has brought. Everyone is coping in different ways, and more than ever we need to hold compassion and grace for one another – we are all differently constructed inside and out – and we move in and out of challenges differently as well.
So, in praying about how to wrap up this journey that’s been like none other, the difficulties are present, but they are not leading the way – not by a mile! Like the tulips and daffodils of spring work hard to break their way through the untended, dormant surface of the wintered earth, then seem to shoot up overnight once they’ve gotten a glimpse of the sun, there is resurrection happening today – even in crisis.
In time we will reflect on these days and see more clearly with that 2020 vision we wish we had today! But though we don’t see the full picture of the longterm effects of COVID-19, that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a vision – so I will close this 2020 lenten series with the vision I see God placing before us, and it is not one of confusion or despair or negligence or blame….but rather I see this:
- People of God stepping out in faith to meet the needs of others like never before.
- Families who have remembered what connection feels like will hold on to it.
- We will not return to consumerism with the same appetites for “more.”
- We will define contentment and satisfaction in much simpler terms.
- We will freely speak of Jesus, our eternal hope, with those who desire peace.
- Churches will continue to work together through sharing resources and support.
- We will cherish the earth and renew our ways of caring for it.
- We will view art and music as absolute necessities.
- We will embrace the importance of relationships and physical presence.
- We will remember not only the loss but the lessons of resilience and strength.
- We will remember that God was with us – that even in isolation, we were never alone….
That’s my 2020 vision, and I pray for the wisdom to live into it more each day as we have this amazing opportunity to reframe our world as never before.
So…….our journey doesn’t have to end here! Today we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from death to life. Tomorrow we can choose to embrace that same resurrection power to help us resurrect the kingdom of God, the beauty of creation and the joy of human companship. I believe in us, because of Jesus!
Thank you, dear, dear friends for walking with me through these long 40 days…you have nourished me and encouraged me and reminded me that light always finds a way through the darkness – you are loved!
Because of Jesus,
Shellie ♥
Unstoppable God
Elevation Worship
Heaven thundered
And the world was born
Life begins and ends in the dust You formed
Faith commanded
And the mountains moved
Fear is losing ground, to our hope in You
Unstoppable God
Let Your glory go on and on
Impossible things
In Your name, they shall be done
Freedom conquered
All our chains undone
Sin defeated, Jesus has overcome
Mercy triumphed
When the third day dawned
Darkness was denied, when the stone was gone
Oh, unstoppable God
Let Your glory go on and on
Impossible things
In Your name, they shall be done
Unstoppable God
Let Your glory go on and on
Impossible things
In Your name, they shall be done (ooh)
Nothing shall be impossible
Your kingdom reigns unstoppable
We’ll shout Your praise forevermore
Jesus our God unstoppable
Nothing shall be impossible
Your kingdom reigns unstoppable
We’ll shout Your praise forevermore
Jesus our God unstoppable (c’mon)
Nothing shall be impossible
Your kingdom reigns unstoppable
We’ll shout Your praise forevermore
Jesus our God unstoppable
Nothing shall be impossible
Your kingdom reigns unstoppable
We’ll shout Your praise forevermore
Jesus our God unstoppable
Ohh, ohh-ohh, ohh
Unstoppable God
Let Your glory go on and on
Impossible things
In Your name, they shall be done (let’s go)
Unstoppable God
Let Your glory go on and on
Impossible things
In Your name, they shall be done
Ohh
