She Was Beautiful

"She was beautiful, but not like those girls in the magazines. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was sad. No, she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful deep down to her soul."  F. Scott Fitzgerald

 I saw this quote, and it drew me in. I wondered how many of us really look at each other.  Do I even take the time, when I look people in the eye, to see who they are, how they are, or even gather them into my heart? We human beings are a strange people. Somehow we get into worrying so much about ourselves that we forgot that we came to be who we are by caring, communicating, meeting, playing, working, believing, and being with each other. Then, I look at the city, county, state, country, and world, and I think to myself, why am I surprised that peace seems all but impossible?  

Why does my heart ache when I read the news and see pictures of people in harm’s way who suffer daily without having what they need just to survive? How can any of us sit idly by and merely worry, or just talk about how senseless things are, - while condemning those who make laws, decisions and move in unjust ways - without at least making phone calls, writing letters or offering to listen to those who are working to make a difference? This is not to say that any of us, including myself, are doing nothing. 

Why are we so afraid of those who are different than we are, that in reality, we don’t have a smile or a hello for them? Are we so afraid of the unknown that we choose not to even read about different religions, other cultures, our history, or our politics? Fear shouldn’t stop us, and we don’t have to let it.

We just had a week where we relived the life of a man whom we choose to follow. Did He take away the sting of a crown of thorns?  Did He make the whips like noodles? Did He make the people choose Barabbas? Did He make the cross lighter? No, He said yes to the whole horrible experience. In the heart of His own suffering, Jesus had time for the others who were being hung on crosses. Can you imagine the strength and courage it took to do that?

My Easter Season will be spent being more aware of others, making a difference where I can, and acknowledging everyone I see, pass, and meet. I hope I can make it a habit so that when an injustice is done to me, I will hold my head high, have patience, not give in, and God willing, see whatever it is, through to a just and peaceful end.

What are you going to do this Easter Season?          -Chris L.