Today is Easter Sunday or what we like to call Resurrection Sunday. Its not about chocolate bunnies, colored eggs or the hunt for them. It's not about some rabbit who brings you "stuff." It's the day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after having hung on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.
I try to remember that as the day passes. Along with those thoughts, I am thinking about my sister. Early last year, they moved into a very small house that was owned by my brother-in-law's family. It is very close to the Mississippi River in Lauderdale County, Tennessee. Well, because they live so close to the river, it floods quite often. While the flood waters make them move away from home, they stay at her in-law's house. Sometimes it's 3 weeks, sometimes it's longer. They have been at Peg's (her mother-in-law's) house for a week now.
I got a call from my sister this morning. I wasn't expecting a call from anyone as it's Sunday and everyone knows we would be getting ready for church. I looked at the caller ID on my cell phone. It was Peg's number. Now, she wouldn't be calling me but my sister would. But, why? Something must be wrong! I answered the phone. Silence. Then sobbing. My initial thoughts were, "Oh my gosh, someone's died!" More sobbing. She finally got her breath and was able to speak.
"Our house is gone."
Now the silence was on my end. Did she just say what I think she said?
"It burned to the ground," came the voice on the other end. "We lost everything."
"Are you serious?" It's April 4th not the 1st. This wasn't some mean, ugly joke someone was playing. This WAS serious.
I have never known anyone who has lost their home to a fire. No one that close to me. I have heard of those who have lost a home but no one that I knew. I cannot believe it!
Our family tries to look on the bright side when we can. They were not home, everyone is safe, and some of the material items can be replaced. It is not pretty. It will not be pleasant but eventually a home can be rebuilt, clothes rebought, and more pictures taken.
But, we Americans or maybe it's just being human, get too close to our material possessions. Pictures cannot be replaced. Once they are gone, that's it! But, we have to remember that we cannot take those things with us anyway.
I pray that this whole ordeal will bring my sister and her husband close(r) to God. I pray they will know that God loves them and they need Him. I hope they realize they are on this earth to glorify our Father in Heaven. We are not here for our selfish desires.
In all this, I am glad. I am joyful over my forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross. But He did not stay there. Three days later, He arose from the dead. The tomb is empty! He ascended and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty!
Happy Resurrection Sunday! And if you so desire, please pray for my sister and her family.
His Chosen Servant!
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