With this Easter weekend, Christians reflect upon Christ's last supper, suffering, death and resurrection. People in the St. Louis area giving more indepth pause perhaps than in previous years. For some, we don't take this time of year to think of the great sacrifices of our Lord, but when tragedy strikes we tend to take more notice of what's around us and who might be responsible for our existence. Some of us think about it all year long. It's the core of who we are as Christians and what we believe. Some think it's the birth of Christ that is pivotal in our faith, but many prophets fortold of the coming of Christ. Easter pinpoints our reason for hope, joy and eternal happiness; knowing that eternal life is within our grasp after earthly death.
It's shocking for many who live in this tornado stricken St. Louis area that no reports of serious injury or death occurred. Here's one of those times I give thanks to God for his miracles.....this Easter miracle. I am not a scientist or even claim to have the knowledge base to say what ignites tornados other than hot and cold masses of air coming together to create turbulent wind storms we call "tornados". I am more of a believer in Christ who admits that His hand was involved in the saving of many lives this weekend. Some might think that God created these storms, while others believe in a free choice world, all happenings are possible......even death. What gives me hope is that there is the miracle of new life, eternal life.
My life has changed forever, not only with my sister's death, but with the death's of my parents. Losing each loved one to death has changed me drastically. More change at times than I want to accept, but it's not my plan; it is the plan of one greater than me. Just as those families who lost their homes this weekend, never expecting it could happen to them, I didn't think my sister would die so young. Young is a relative term, but for me young means so much life yet to be lived here on earth. At any time, death is possible, and it can happen to any of us at any time. We all know death is inevitible; yet, there is the hope of the Easter miracle to be reunited with all our loved ones again in eternal life. My words can't even begin to describe what that reunion will be like. As my family celebrated on Saturday this Easter holiday, I was pleasantly surprised by the joy I felt. Maybe a few "sips" of wine helped, but it went beyond that. For the first time since my sister's death, I was able to feel joy during a holiday gathering. Joy filled my heart as we reminisced over past stories, not only of her, but of us, too. Laughing at the simple joys of our lives gave me renewed hope. One who is grieving realizes this in our minds, but it takes a while for this to settle into our hearts and souls. This doesn't mean that grief isn't still there; it always will be. We are learning to live again.....slowly but surely.
While we take each step moving and hoping, Easter miracles happen all year long. Especially right now when tornadic weather enforces loss of tangible, emotional devastation; no lives appear to have been taken. Some people may have lost their homes, treasured photos, comfortable furniture, personal items and that leaves them in a state of utter shock; yet, miraculously they still have their families and friends intact here to celebrate and live. I don't mean to minimize what has been taken in this tragedy. I haven't experienced this myself, but I have listened to those interviewed, and while overwhelming and extremely frightening, they still give thanks for no lives being lost. I believe in Easter miracles not only today but everyday if we continue to believe and take notice. I pray for all of those people in the days ahead who will be searching in the rubble to have hope......hope for better days......hope for Easter miracles.
If the only prayer you ever say in life is "thank you," that would suffice.
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