It’s been a while since I’ve participated in a 5 Minute Friday, but I am excited to dive in again. If you aren’t familiar, 5 Minute Fridays are where women from all over the world all write for five unedited minutes about the word for that week. I know this labels me as a word nerd, but I always loved those timed free writes we did in my college writing classes. Some of the best work came out of a time to write with no pressure. You can come on over and join in on 5 Minute Fridays HERE.
Today’s word is ALIVE.
I find it really interesting that the word today is Alive because today is Good Friday, the day we slow down and remember Jesus’ death. It’s also a bit ironic for me personally because it seems my little world has been colored with death a lot lately. It started when my brother took his life last summer, but it didn’t end there.
A woman our family has known for a long time died in September.
A young man in a local high school killed himself, and he was found by his dad and brother on the soccer field of the school.
A woman (the daughter of the woman who died in September) lost her oldest son suddenly in January.
A young man was shot and killed just a few weeks ago which means his life was taken and his shooter, another teenager, his life is also over.
A young girl at a different local high school tried to kill herself in the band room of her school. A few students found her but she passed away just a few days ago.
Two young girls, only 7 and 10, died in a house fire this week.
Today, I remember that Jesus died a gruesome death on my behalf, and yet, because of that horrible death, I can have hope. Despite the numerous tragedies that have surrounded my world lately, I can still be alive because Jesus died.
But He didn’t just die. He defeated death. See, the cross, while it is so important to our salvation stories, isn’t the end. If it was the end, Christianity would be no different than any other religion in the history of the world. No – Jesus defeated death and he arose from that grave and He is alive.
And because He lives, I can too – no matter what the circumstances.
Blessings, Rosanne
I’m sorry you have experienced so much loss recently in your family and community. I love that Jesus’ death and the fact that he triumphed over death gives us hope, even when things are difficult. Visiting from FMF.
Thanks for stopping by, Carly. 🙂 Yes, it has been a lot of loss recently, but God is always present and He is always good. I’m not sure how people make it in this world without Him! 🙂
Oh, Rosanne! I am so sorry for all of your losses. The suicides are especially heartbreaking (our daughter was suicidal most of last year due to an undiagnosed mental illness). May the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and hope so that you can share that with your corner of the world.
Thanks for stopping by Anita! I’m sorry your daughter is dealing with mental illness. My brother suffered from it much of his life but refused to get any help, unfortunately. God was so near to me when I lost my brother. It’s hard to explain how something so awful could have also been beautiful, but the way God comforted me was amazing. I’ve tried to share that comfort with others. Anyway, thanks for stopping by! 🙂