Be Not Afraid

From a sermon I heard preached 7 years ago...

"the opposite of faith isn't doubt, it's fear"

I've never  been sure that I agree with this statement.

But, I'm starting to suspect that it's true.

"Be not afraid" they cried.

My deepest prayer today is that there was no fear.

But I suspect that there was.

Easter Monday

My grandmother was dismayed that I didn't preach on Easter.  How does one say "death never wins" when, right now, it feels like it does?

Easter Phone Call

I'd wish her a Happy Easter of course, inquire after church and ask what she was going to have for dinner.  Oh, and I'd tell her that the fruit of the month she sent arrived and that it was a pineapple...thank you mom.

Good Friday

My mother's obituary is written, proofed and paid for.  It will run Easter Sunday...feeling envious that the disciples got another chance to set things right.

Today

Today I would ask her "why?".

Picture

The most recent picture I have of my mom is from several years ago and one that a sibling sent is too blurry.  Today I would call her and ask her to send me a photo of herself that she likes--ideally a headshot.

I need it for her obituary, and I want her to like it.

If

If I could call my mom today I would tell her that I am a little worried that the boy child isn't speaking more.  I would also tell her that he loves jigsaw puzzles.