The House Party: June 2011

In April, over Easter Weekend, we had to make an unexpected trip to Myrtle Beach. My grandmother passed away the Thursday before Easter. She had been very sick for a long time and was on in-home Hospice care. She was a very big part of shaping the woman that I am, and I am sad that she will not have the opportunity to watch Tripp grow up. However, I am grateful that her life is no longer one of suffering. I am confidant that she knew Christ and so I have great peace knowing that she is with Him now.

It was very interesting that the context of this funeral was in the midst of Easter. My grandmother's burial site is in a small cemetery way out in a very rural part of Horry County, SC. It sits on the side of a beautiful field with trees lining it. It was a truly gorgeous spring day, with clear skies and a comforting breeze. As I was sitting at the graveside service I was grateful for the reminder from Scripture in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "O death, where is your victory! Oh death, where is your sting?" I was reminded of the words to a song we have been singing at our church lately. The chorus was running through my mind like an anthem. I experienced a moment of genuine worship as I sat on the side of that hill in the beauty of God's creation, but with the humility of death so close by. The words of that chorus are below.

Christ has risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

O, death, where is your sting

O, hell, where is your victory

O, church, come stand in the light

Our God is not dead, He's alive, HE'S ALIVE!!!

So, we celebrated Easter and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, not at our church, the way we had envisioned. Instead, we celebrated together in our small condo at Myrtle Beach. In a strange way, though, I feel like I understand the power of the resurrection and it's impact on the life of His children in a much deeper way this year. I am thankful more deeply for the redeemed life He has given me in Christ and the power of transforming change that is making me more like Jesus with each passing day. I am thankful to Christ for the seeds of redemption and hope that He is sowing in our family, for the gift of my husband and the family that he allowed me to become a part of, and for our sweet boy. We celebrate you Jesus and thank you for your resurrecting power that truly gives us life and hope!