An Easter Perspective

by Mitzi Bryant

There are times in our lives when we experience joy so moving, so profound, that words can't express the feeling. These moments for me are what keep me going, keep me plowing through the conflict that is life. When mired in difficulty or pain, I suddenly still my heart and receive God's gift for me — a sudden shift in perception that reveals God's grace.

It is Easter, the joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I remember an Easter of several years ago. We had planned to visit my Mother, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, in Memphis, Tennessee. How excited we were to be able to share Easter with her! Unfortunately, work and schedules intervened, and our trip was canceled. We then planned to visit the church of one of our best friends, the minister of a predominately African-American church in a neighboring town. We were again excited about sharing Easter with our friend, a wonderfully spiritual person. However, the day before my infant daughter awakened with splotches covering her little body. After a trip to the emergency room, we discovered she had a strep infection, manifesting itself in a rash. She would be contagious for a day or so. We realized that we would be spending Easter, the most joyous of holidays, at home.

I awakened to a beautiful spring day, azaleas and dogwoods in full bloom, the sun shining. The joy that I normally felt at Easter was still present for me. We called our friend, explaining our dilemma and giving our regrets. I spoke with him on the phone, mostly about the joy of the day and how we experience God's Grace. He mentioned the people of Birmingham, Alabama, who that week had experienced one of the deadliest tornadoes in recorded history. Massive damage, loss of 38 lives, and hundreds injured — yet, we both spoke confidently about the grace present amid such horror. Thirty tornadoes struck our state that Wednesday, a night when many were in church. Entire congregations huddled in hallways as their churches were destroyed around them. God's protection was everywhere in the miraculous stories of survival.

As we spoke, I began to feel that shift of perception — the one that always takes me out of my self and into another's heart. I felt gratitude for all that I am and that I had on that Easter Day. My prayer for the victims of Birmingham was for peace, and strength, during a time of rebirth and renewal. I watched them on television, and marveled at their courage and overwhelming faith. Certainly, they experienced pain, anger, and sorrow. However, my faith teaches me that God was with them, and is with all of us, in those dark times when we feel lost, and helpless, and alone. I have leaned on that protection and care most of my life, and often take it for granted. Today, and every day, I am grateful once again. Happy Easter.

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