Alive

No longer just walking among us, now a silent majority. The sleeping masses, functioning just enough to make it. Going through life, reacting to circumstances like pinballs, bouncing from one thing to the next. Existing, surviving, members of the living dead. Life’s pain has lulled them to sleep, victims to waking slumber. A hush has fallen and they mustn’t be disturbed. One foot in front of the other, routine, sheltering in place, self-imposed blinders.

Peace arise. Walk with purpose. Hold your head high. Aim for the stars. Do unforgettable things. Leave your mark. Make mistakes. Be you. Fail out loud. Laugh, from your belly with twinkling eyes. Take a stand. Let your voice be heard. Share your heart. Help others. Do not let your past, your failures or others define your today or tomorrows. Rise up. Bow. Dance. Learn. Engage. Anticipate. Fight fear with faith. Breathe, deeply. Apologize. Forgive. Forget. Love those who can’t love themselves. Skip and then run. Think. Create meaning. Impact others. Look people in the eye. Shake someone’s hand and keep the promise that came with it. Treasure relationship. Live. Love.

A crown of thorns sat upon His head. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done.” The most wretched death one could endure. He knew it was to come, as it was foretold in the prophecy. He knew His fate. He knew He would be mocked and beaten and tortured and spat upon. He knew that He would be punished like a thief and a murderer. He knew He would endure the sins of the world. Yet, knowing all He knew of His future, He didn’t give up. He made the impossible possible. He loved unconditionally. He acted in faith and miracles took place. He cared for and healed the sick and wounded. He educated. He took time for the just and the unjust. He went out of His way for others. He valued children and women and men and the elderly, the sick, the broken and the sinners. He got excited about great faith. He overcame circumstances and helped others do the same.

As a people, the young and the old, we have seen unspeakable things. We have experienced worse. We’ve been oppressed. We’ve issued genocide. We have been robbed in ways people could not imagine. Not one of us endured worse than what was endured on the cross. Not one of us willingly drank the cup of wrath. Not one of us became a global sacrifice. Not one of us has ever carried so much sin that God hid His face from it.

Our God lives. Grace abounds. Forgiveness is here. Together, let’s embrace the freedom that was purchased for us.