Signs of the Resurrection

One of the great mysteries of the Christian faith is the doctrine of resurrection.  Frequently it really seems to rip folks up as they try to wrestle what it means for them to be followers of Jesus.  And if we get hung up on various aspects of the doctrine, things like whether or not it is bodily, when it occurs, who experiences it, it can indeed be befuddling.  But I for one think it is important to look for signs of the resurrection in everyday life.  How is it that faith empowers us to overcome the things of death?

I saw it, for instance, in the life of a man we'll call Ed who spent many years caring for his wife.  She had been his companion and friend for years.  Once she was capable and creative, but disease and dementia took its toll.  Near the end of her life she didn't even know the day or time.  But her husband stood at her side, caring for her with love and compassion.  The days were often long--the nights even longer.  Frequently she was up and wandering through the wee hours of the morning.  But belief in the resurrecting power of God gave him the strength to go on.  ""Some nights," he once told me, "It's two or three in the morning before I am able to say my prayers."  But say them he did.  And so he was empowered to go on.

Or a woman I once knew who we'll call Louise.  Louise lived by herself.  She had done so for many years after her husband's death.  She had fallen a handful of times, and found it very difficult to remember things.  She used to leave notes to herself all over the house.  Her family was very attentive and visited her frequently, but they lived out of town in another state.  She was once very active in community and church affairs, but over time became housebound.  She once showed me what kept her going.  It was a Bible verse, written on a scrap of paper and taped to her place mat on the kitchen table.  "All things are possible," it read, "through Chris who strengthens me."

Why do I believe in the resurrection?  Many reasons--but in the end it really comes down to what I've witnessed in the lives of folks like Ed and Louise.  Folks who have lived out of hope. 

My Easter wish is that you might see signs of the resurrection in your life as well!