Monday Morning Reflections

Happy Easter, church family!

Just days ago was Good Friday. But let me rewind even before that. 

Easter was always beautiful, filled with candy-filled baskets, egg hunts, pancakes in the morning, and getting dressed up in soft pastel dresses for church. Dinner was familiar and comforting; ham, mashed potatoes,  just like every year before.

Looking back, I realize how much of my childhood was shaped by traditions and I'm so grateful for that. I was taken to church as a newborn baby, baptized before I could even understand what it meant. Years later, I stood in front of my church with friends from the Eagles Wings Youth Group and made a proffesion before God and the congregation of our faith.

Years and years went by and going to church became optional and honestly I didn't go much. But then I found Grace Life Sarasota. I chose to give my life to Christ on Mount Lockwood Ridge on July 20th last year. By choice I was baptized again. 

So how does the Life of David's series work into the resurrection story? 

Pastor Joe called today sermon in this series of David, "Tomb Songs". 

Pastor Joe's Sermon Preview: Are you stuck in caves that feel like tombs of fear or grief? Tune in to the resurrection anthem! #Easter #LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews

Today I realized that I walk into a “cave” every Monday through Friday. It’s not a place I can avoid. It can feel dark, uncomfortable, and heavy. And for a long time, about an hour into my day, I’d put in my earbuds and play the same 90’s grunge and alternative rock  songs I leaned on during some of the darkest seasons of my life.

But why am I feeding that same darkness now? At the same time, I’m also facing another cave I can't avoid. Fear of the unknown with my health and an upcoming brain surgery. 

Today, I learned more about David.

When David was in his cave, he didn’t let the darkness define his song. He cried out to God: “Preserve me, O God…  You will not abandon my soul.” He trusted God. He knew that God wouldn't abandon him. He sang songs of praise in darkness. 

Psalm 40:2-3 describes God rescuing the psalmist from a "slimy pit" or "miry clay" of despair, establishing them on solid ground and replacing fear with a "new song" of praise. This deliverance inspired me to trust in God. Hearing this part of David's story today,  definitely inspired me to change my tomb Songs. 

Sometimes there are caves I can't avoid but I can place my hope in the risen King. So today, I’m changing my tomb songs. Maybe I can’t avoid every cave, but I can choose what song I sing inside of it.

I can walk into work and find comfort in Jesus. I can walk toward surgery and find peace in Him. 

I wore a pastel pink dress and white sandals to church this Easter Sunday, and we're eating ham & mashed potatoes for dinner tonight. I have always loved the traditions of Easter Sunday and those I'll carry on. 

This Good Friday and Resurrection day has felt so different. I didn’t just go through the motions of old traditions. I have a relationship with Jesus today. I never understood until this past week why it was called "Good" Friday. I now know that the story of the cross and the empty tomb isn’t just something we celebrate… It’s the greatest love story ever lived.

He is Risen... He is Risen Indeed!!