EASTER
When I was young, our Spring-time ritual was to go to Phoenix, Arizona for the Easter holiday. Phoenix was where my mother’s parents lived, and we took the train because my father didn’t like to fly. I remember those Easters and how, on Easter Sunday, there was no church or even acknowledgement of what the holiday signified. My grandfather was either agnostic or atheist, depending on what mood he was in when you asked him. My grandmother kept a Bible by her side of the bed, and spoke about attending church sometimes, but she was one of the least spiritual people I’ve ever met, so I’m not quite sure what all that was about.
I’ve thought, over the years, about how my father must have wanted to go to church on that day; his faith was a vital part of him, and to him holidays like Easter and Christmas were about more than candy and decorations and presents. He schooled me in the story of the Resurrection — how Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples, the nail wounds still in his hands. He used to talk to me quite often about Jesus, to the point where I began dreaming about him and became convinced that, when he returned, he’d be my boyfriend. My father, undoubtedly amused at his young daughter’s imagination, said with a straight face, “Well, he’s going to have a lot of work to do when he returns. He’ll be very busy.”
No matter what one’s beliefs are, or are not, it seems important — now more than ever — to consider that this holiday signifies resurrection. The very thing we could use right now in this country. I don’t mean literally someone rising from the dead, although I can think of a few people I’d like to have returned. But a resurrection of who we are supposed to be as a country. As a people. We are not meant to be slashing each other with words and cruelty, whether it’s coming from a news figure on Fox or the President of the United States. We are not meant to be shooting each other. We are not meant to be so divided that enemy lines are drawn everywhere. We are not meant to hate others because of the color of their skin, or their sexual orientation, or their religious affiliation, or their country of origin.
Maybe we could take some time today to ponder what resurrection means — a return from the dead. Much of what we have valued and built this country upon is dying before our eyes. Maybe while Mr. Trump is golfing today, millions of us could reach into our souls, and remember what is best in us, what is unique about America, and vow to resurrect those qualities. Maybe, while Mr. Trump is golfing, we could take our country back.
Patti. Happy Easter
I was about to post this on Facebook then I saw your post. Here is mine
Easter morning twittering
Pence. Today, my family and I celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the dawn of grace on that first Easter morning. He is Risen! #HappyEaster
Pope Francis. Today we repeat that wondrous proclamation: “The Lord is truly risen, as He said!”. A Blessed Easter to you all!
Pope Francis. Our faith is born on Easter morning: Jesus is alive! This experience is at the heart of the Christian message.
Trump. HAPPY EASTER!
Trump. Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release. Getting more dangerous. “Caravans” coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!
Trump. Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border, and then into the U.S. They laugh at our dumb immigration laws. They must stop the big drug and people flows, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL!
Trump. These big flows of people are all trying to take advantage of DACA. They want in on the act!
And on the way to the Easter service;
‘No more DACA deal,’ Trump says as he threatens to ‘stop’ NAFTA if Mexico doesn’t better secure border
Well there is always the White House Easter egg hunt tomorrow.
What a touching piece. It really tugs at the heart and things we so often look past…
Patti, as I reflect on your words, I truly connect on what you say. I am a atheist, free thinker, but us free thinkers are humanists, we love all people. Loving one another unconditionally, is what will change this world. Your words are brilliant and ring the truth, I will share them if you don’t mind.
Patti, Happy Easter and thankyou so much.
Patti, I missed this yesterday, sadly, but just now read it. As always, you write with such authenticity and soul, I was able to hear your dad speak his words, with that softness of heart, that glow of intonation, and his smile, which brought all things positive to life. You could not be more right; this is a time for rebirth, for a new kind of Resurrection, that our world depends on a refocusing of ideals and purpose. No matter one’s religion, no matter the depth of one’s faith, or the nature of his or her beliefs, there is a universality to your words, one which has a magnificently reassuring quality to them. Let’s just say that hope is divine, and the measure of that hope rests in one’s commitment to a better world. Thank you, Patti.