Black Woman Redefined Blog

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of it’s own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? A slave is not greater than the master.’ since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would have listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my father. John 15:18-24

Lately, I have found myself a bit drained and down when it comes to being a servant, walking in the light, trying to love people, do good and simply honor the “golden rule”. Yet, when I read the above scripture and read the words of my Lord–I am ashamed.  Nothing that I will ever endure on this side of eternity will match his matchless sacrifice. The simple truth is people will always disappoint you, so if you know that going in you will be okay.  It is not that they don’t have good intentions, it is simply that it is easier to tend to self or self interest than to serve others.  Service, love, commitment all of those virtues take sacrifice and time.  They require patience, long suffering and unconditional love.  How many of us truly walk that out day to day?? Be honest–how many of us build time in daily to help the less fortunate, to go the extra mile-to share a word of encouragement, or do a deed that brings comfort? Continue Reading…

“Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jesus, Luke’s Gospel)
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Apostle Paul letter to the Galatians)

Amidst all the Easter Rabbits, colored eggs, and jelly beans one could get confused as to what we celebrate this coming Sunday and why we celebrate it.  Easter, is not about rabbits, or large bunnies at the shopping Mall who frighten small children away.  Easter is about J-E-S-U-S.

Now if you are not a Christian this will mean nothing to you, but if you are a Christian (follower of Christ) it should mean everything to you.  For those of you who may be seeking the truth about Easter and know nothing about this very religious holiday, let me give you a few quick thoughts.

First, Easter is about the ultimate victory of life over death.  Jesus (as the story is told in all four gospel accounts in scripture as well as throughout the New Testament of the Bible) was crucified and died on Good Friday (today). He lay in the grave and on the 3rd day he arose (Easter Sunday).  Jesus overcame death and in so doing secured life after deathfor those who follow his commands and who Believe in the gospel, are baptized into his death, burial and Resurrection (Romans 6: 1-4), Repent of their sins (Acts 2:38), and confess him as Lord.

Second, Easter is the ultimate example of L-O-V-E in action.  As John writes in his gospel v. 15:13 ”there is a no greater love than a man lay down his life for his friends.” That is Jesus folks–he paid it all that we might live.  He laid down his life for those of us who were separated from God by sin. Powerful stuff when you think about it–who among us would die for a righteous man nonetheless a sinner?? Jesus is L-O-V-E personified.

Third and lastly, Easter is about the Resurrection.  Newness from the old. Life from what appeared to be lifeless. It comes in the spring which is a time of awakening and the refreshing of a new season.  It signals life from what was dormant–and it offers us the tangible H-O-P-E of  what we cannot yet see, but know to be there waiting for us, rooting for us, encouraging us as we do our best to make our way through this mysterious journey called life.

Happy Easter & God Bless.

Sophia