Journey to Easter

Hi friends, I just wanted to tell you about the most recent project that I have finished - another prayer walk devotional, this time for Easter. You can download the booklet on my website: Journey to Easter

I pray that this resource will provide an opportunity for us to slow down, meet with God, and reflect on the heartbreaking and glorious story we celebrate at Easter.

While It Was Still Dark

She knew what hopelessness was like
But this time somehow it was worse
For she knew love and hope and peace
Then watched as senseless violence burned
Her hope and future into ash
The one she loved, teacher and friend
Tortured and murdered ruthlessly
The eyes that saw her see no more
The hands that touched and healed the sick
Now bloodied, mutilated, dead
Despair and fear now fill her heart
As friends disperse, flee for their lives
And yet she cannot stay away
Her heart still yearns for what is lost
She slips away, out of the city
While it was still dark.

With heavy heart she seeks the tomb
No hopes or plans in mind except
To be close to the one she loved
To care for him one final time
She weeps and walks her lonely road
Believing that this is the end
But soon she'll find the tomb unbarred
Her fear and sorrow overwhelmed
Engulfed by wonder beyond hope
Before her eyes he stands alive—
But she is still upon the road
In grief and darkness and despair
Continues faithful step by step
To where her heart at last will know
The miracle already happened
While it was still dark.

Just the Beginning

This is the end

Buried in the ground

Surrounded by darkness

Lost and alone

But wait

A stirring

Deep within

A whisper of hope

Growing

Swelling

Bursting

Exploding

This is just the beginning

The inspiration for this piece came from my garden. As I was planting the first seeds of spring, I began reflecting on what that experience would be like for a seed. It must feel like the end, buried, alone in the darkness. But instead, new life begins to stir within, and that stirring grows and swells until the seed is ready to burst. What would that feel like? Perhaps like a wild hope rising within it, as C.S.Lewis has said. I think that experience would be very similar to what it must have been like for the disciples on that first Easter: Certain that it is the end, but then suddenly, beyond hope, the whisper that there may still be more to come.  A “burning heart” within them. And in our lives too we sometimes feel like that seed. We feel trapped, alone, buried, forgotten. But one day hope begins to whisper into our hearts, and suddenly our whole lives are transformed.