Everyday Easter

I made my family take a picture outside of church on Easter morning, even after we had a hard morning with two kids. But for some reason, I felt weird about posting it and proclaiming the best news of all time: We get to truly live because Jesus died and rose for us. Hallelujah, indeed! 

I believe the gospel, life-changing news with my whole heart. The morning proved we all need Jesus, if nothing else. I’m not ashamed to proclaim it on Facebook or in my real life. Yet I want to proclaim it every other day too, not just on Easter Sunday. 

On Easter, my pastor and friend Dr. Kory Cunningham defended the resurrection by preaching through Luke 24. He did an incredible job sharing why the resurrection is absolutely true. We sang songs that spoke to my heart and humbled me as a wife, mom, and friend. 

Yet I was still hesitant to share my family photo on social media. Maybe I’m weary and want to share lowlights along with the highlights, but not every lowlight is my story to tell. Yet in a family, everything affects everyone. 

I also want to hold onto the Easter message. I want to remember the point of the resurrection: Jesus died a gruesome, brutal death for all our wrongs; yet he rose from the dead to make us right and give us access to God the Father.  

Jesus was with me when my kids were bickering, when a secret came to light and broke my heart, when I couldn’t quit grieving a friendship, when change interrupted, when they don’t understand, and when it’s not even Easter morning. It doesn’t matter I’ve never been into gifting baskets on Easter morning. Whether we have long-standing traditions doesn’t define my relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus has the whole world in His hands, regardless of what day it is. So, let’s keep celebrating Easter every moment, every day because that’s the invitation from our Creator and Savior.