Easter Truths for All of Us

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I know not all of you share my Christian faith, and I respect that.  This site isn't about religion, although for me, minimalism and gratitude illuminate and enhance my spiritual beliefs.  Maybe they do the same for you.


But the strength of any community includes its diversity.  Different perspectives teach us, challenge us, and help us see things in a clearer, more well-rounded way.  All of us can benefit from a broader outlook that lets us see aspects and ideas we wouldn't come up with by ourselves.


So when I write about Easter, I don't expect everyone to receive it in the same way.  Still, I think there are some universal lessons we can draw from this season, regardless of our spiritual backgrounds or beliefs.


cross on the mountain - photo by Theo Crazzolara on Unsplash



The promise of Easter


Easter, for Christians, should more correctly be called Resurrection Sunday.  It celebrates Jesus' return to life after his crucifixion, which is remembered on Good Friday.


It's not about eggs or bunnies.  At its heart, Easter is about a God who loves us enough to die for us.  It's not glossy or rainbow-colored – it includes betrayal, suffering, sacrifice, and pain.  But it insists that those things are not the end of the story.  Redemption is possible.  Love is stronger than hate.  Hope can triumph over despair, because even the tiniest light shines brightly in the darkness.


Christian or not, all of us can appreciate a reminder that love is the ultimate, enduring force, providing meaning to life.  All of us are ready to cheer for a story of second chances and new beginnings.  Certainly, spring is the perfect season to remember and celebrate them.


Sadly, we can look around at our world and see evil every day of the week.  Lies and greed are common.  So are injustice and inequality.  One group hates and fears another, and they hate and fear in return.


It can make you feel like giving up.  I know I feel like that, more often than I would like.


But here's the truth about Easter, eloquently stated by former U.S. Representative, blogger, and activist Adam Kinzinger:

Easter reminds us that the darkest moments are not the final word.  That sometimes, when the whole world looks like it's falling apart, that's exactly when something new can be born.  Not easily, and not without cost.  But born nonetheless.




4 valuable Easter truths


Here are a few Easter lessons that can challenge and encourage all of us:


1.  Truth matters.

Pontius Pilate asked "What is truth?" and then washed his hands of any responsibility for what happened to Jesus.  Pilate was cynical.  He didn't really care about the truth.  It didn't matter that he thought Jesus was innocent of any crime, since he allowed him to be crucified anyway.  It was easier to give in to the shouting mob.


The truth is hard to see when you're already locked into one perspective.  After all, you can't learn if you think you already know.  But the search for truth is important, and truth is worth fighting for, even if you stand alone.


2.  Rebirth doesn't come without suffering.

Growth, healing, peace – none of that is accomplished without effort, discomfort, and maybe even some kind of pain.  Showing up every day to meet your goal doesn't happen without challenge and sacrifice.  But steadfastness is rewarded.


3.  Community is valuable.

Jesus didn't rise from the dead and then go live alone on a mountaintop somewhere.  He wasn't a loner communing with himself and the universe.  He returned to his people, taught them, and reminded them what love and devotion look like, promising his Holy Spirit to come with help, wisdom, and comfort.


That's our job too.  It's time to remember that each of us is valuable, and that we need each other.


4.  No situation is beyond repair.

This can be a hard idea to swallow.  We've all been in situations when there didn't seem to be a way forward.  There was no good choice – we couldn't even imagine one.  There was only the lesser of several evils.


Sometimes, at least from our limited perspective, that's true.  But we can't see the whole picture, so it's our job to have faith.  Faith doesn't mean we know.  Faith is trusting when you don't know.  It's hard, but the alternative is despair.


So don't lose heart.  Don't fall into cynicism.  (I'm preaching to myself.)  Don't think your own small efforts don't matter, because they do.


Easter tells us that even when all seems lost, there's still a reason to hope.


Let's all hang on to that.


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