Manna and Coffee

Her name is Easter. I knew of her by reading the book Scars and Stripes[1], a family biography written by her son, a gifted writer and pastor. It is the story of a family’s struggle in the rugged coal mining sections of Kentucky and West Virginia and their survival from the hands of an alcoholic and abusive husband and father.

But there is more, much more. It is the story of a mother’s faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Today I was blessed to have met her live, up-close and personal. What a sweet and tender spokesman for Christ! My group sat in awe as she shared her testimony of His loving grace, healing mercy and the promises made for our eternal salvation. Not an eye wandered nor was a comment whispered as the focus was on this now cherished messenger of hope and forgiveness. I must admit thankful tears of joy flowed freely down the cheeks of this inspired listener.

As she was speaking her spirit filled words of inspiration they reminded me of the verse spoken by Jesus,

“I am the one who testifies for myself;

my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

                                                                                    John 8:18

Never in my short life as a follower of Christ have I encountered a person with such deep and enduring trust in the word of God. She is a soft spoken and humble warrior for Jesus and a gracious ambassador for the eternal glory yet to come.

Listen as Paul pens his second letter to the Corinthians,

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,

as though God were making his appeal through us.

We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

                                                                                                                         2 Corinthians 5:20

This is one Easter I can’t celebrate with chocolate bunnies or colored eggs.

Psalms 145:5-7