Undefeated

Resurrection Sunday is here. The day that we celebrate Jesus rising with all power in His hands. He has conquered death, Hell, and the grave. Death has no sting. The grave has no victory. Christ remains undefeated. And yet, I still struggle with grief and loss.

Resurrection Sunday has always been a big deal in my family. We go to church and then we fellowship. We say our Easter speeches, celebrate Jesus in a mighty way, and then break bread together. Well, not just bread. Cakes, pies, macaroni and cheese, ham….. you get the picture. The kids hunt for eggs and cry when they don’t get the one with the money in it. The adults feel bad for the ones that are crying and slip them a couple of dollars. You know…. just your regular family get together.

But this year is different. And not because of COVID. This year is different because we have had to say goodbye to so many loved ones. Breaking bread is not the same without their signature dishes. Fellowshiping is changed when their loud voices don’t echo around the house and across the yard.

So my plan for this year was to shelter in place. Burrow under my covers like a mole. MAYBE watch church service through a peephole in my comfy blanket fort. Cry. Blow my nose. And repeat the cycle until the day was over. But God had different plans.

Just yesterday, I was looking through a box at Tomica’s house. A box I hadn’t looked in before. But it was a box all about me. Pictures of the first four Resurrection Sundays of my life. Photos that I didn’t know existed. I know it’s not a coincidence that I stumbled upon them. The first photo was a picture of me sandwiched between Tomica (cheesing like there is no tomorrow while wearing her bunny ears), Kevin, and my uncle Michael (dedicated to looking as cool as humanly possible when hanging with the little kids).

Definitely my first Resurrection Sunday on this earth. I had no clue what life would hold. Walking and talking but oblivious to the dangers that were around. I was surrounded by family. Making it by the grace of God. The same still holds true today.

Even though I’m bereaved, I’m not forgotten. Even though I’m in a valley, I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by family. I’m making it by the grace of God. Resurrection Sunday is here. Death has no sting. The grave has no victory. Jesus Christ remains undefeated. #wepreach