I find it fortuitous that my current fortune shows up as we move into Easter weekend, especially as we move out of the pandemic.
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. Remembering that moment is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin.
Today’s fortune reminded me of John 1 (NIV):
Jesus is the light, and the light shines brightest in the dark.
Yes, we do live in dark times. We have lived through a year of distancing ourselves from family and friends. We have lost loved ones to illness. We shut down the economy to stave off infection. And yet, we still have wars, hate, and our nation’s culture has slipped into decadence. There doesn’t seem like there is much one can do about it, but there is always hope.
This isn’t the first time our nation has seen turmoil, and it won’t be the last.
Paine wrote these words in the Pennsylvania Journal during the revolutionary war. General George Washington’s troops had suffered humiliating losses in New York to the British and retreated to Pennsylvania’s McConkey’s Ferry on the Delaware River opposite Trenton, New Jersey.
The General knew that the men’s spirits were low and that if their morale didn’t improve, they would lose the war. He printed pamphlets of Paine’s writing and had the men read them aloud. Hope spread through the ranks and lead the men to victory.
Our victory over dark times requires us to seek out hope, but hope doesn’t have to come from the inspirational words of great leaders and thinkers. It can come from the smallest form of optimism.
We can be happy that the sun shines or a rainbow shimmers in the gray sky. The sound of laughter or the tinkle of wind chimes can brighten our day. Most importantly, we can find hope within our hearts—we only need to let it bloom and grow.
So as we enter Easter, open your heart to those around you. Spread hope to anyone that needs it. Let the light shine through the darkness and lead us to victory.
Happy Easter!
Featured image: Banksy’s There is Always Hope (2002) – London
