Praise the Lord

In preparing for this week's writing, I kind of wanted to ask for a pass. I have been struggling with embracing my faith in certain aspects of my life. I have done lots of reflecting and feel the pull, but I have been dragging my feet on acknowledging I need help. This is a pattern for me over the years. Things get hard and I pull away from the one part of my life that I know will guide me. All of this has me feeling very undeserving of writing this week's Faith Friday. However, in the true spirit of this journey that we are all on, I was given several signs that I could not ignore. 

Last Sunday I opened an email from Ascension with Father Mike Schmitz about praying through Holy Week. It is a great video that really got me thinking and reading about Holy Week and wondering if I was ready. While I was doing my deep dive of trying to absorb what Fr. Mike was saying, I reflected on previous years leading up to Good Friday. The most significant memory for me was 21 years ago we buried my daughter Mackenzie on Good Friday. Her burial just happened to fall on that Friday in April. There was suffering, helplessness, and eventually hope that maybe one day we would be with her again. It was the hope that helped me get up every day after that. Knowing and believing I was not alone in my suffering and grief. When I look back now, I know I was being carried by our Lord; there is no other explanation. Now I don't really believe it was a coincidence that we buried her on Good Friday. I wasn't attending church then, but I felt an unshakable feeling that we weren't alone, and that God had more in store for us and our family. 

I believe God knows my heart and is guiding me in my journey. I feel connected this week through my suffering all those years ago, but I also feel great hope. I know that Jesus will rise again, and we will rejoice, as His death and resurrection are for each of us even when we feel unworthy. 

After watching the Fr. Mike video, I saw this remake of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and listened to it. The song is sung by Cassandra Star and Callahan Armstrong, and I felt compelled to share it with you as we prepare for Easter Sunday. I wish each of you a very blessed Easter.