A Powerful Presence
by Dawn Okrasinski
Monday- 3.22.21
The season of Easter has always held a sacred place for me. I grew up in the middle of a large Eastern European tribe who immigrated out of oppression with few possessions, many traditions, and a devout faith in God. They understood sacrifice and fear and they reverently believed that their faith provided a clear conduit to the Father who would guide them through all things. Traveling in the darkness of steerage across unknown waters, prayer and the Holy Spirit navigated them to a bright new life. Paul wrote that he had the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gave him. Philippians 4:13 (GNB). My family had embraced hardship and uncertainty with the same conviction.
Our traditions often centered around faith. For Forty days Lent wove a tapestry of solemn preparation around all of us. Fasting, offerings, and simple meals marked time. I was reminded daily about why I was giving up television, jumping on furniture, and most importantly, sweets. Yet, as Palm Sunday heralded Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem, and my Grandfather wove lanyard crosses out of palm fronds, a hum of anticipation filled the air.
I felt it when the large bowls of dough began to rise. I watched as the food was carefully arranged in large brown baskets by my Aunties and covered with starched white linen brightly embroidered with golden crosses. Butter, molded into little lambs with clove eyes, peaked from the folds. I followed my mother into the church and reverently made my way up to the front with our own baskets to be blessed for Sunday’s meal. My little mouth, tired of meager fare, watered as the rich smells floated in the air. When Easter finally did arrive, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection was loud, vibrant and holy. Christ’s power, anointed by the Holy Spirit, had worked miracles in times past and in the lives of our family in the present. My Grandparents lived the message of restoration because they believed.
Twenty-five years, later, another Easter season arrived filled with chaos and fear. My heart, cautious and weary, went through the habitual motions of Lent. I doubted that Jesus was present. There had been way too many losses and far too many disappointments to be sure. Spiritual disconnection and sin had caused me to lose my way. Thousands of miles from home, I tearfully questioned into the phone why this had happened? My Mother’s steady voice came back across the line, “Take it all to the altar and leave it there on Easter Morning. God is the Alpha and the Omega, who is, who was, and who is to come,” she said. “The price has already been paid. Take it to the Father.”
The massive cross hung down from the ceiling filling the space above the altar. A white mantle, draped across the center, represented the risen Christ. Lily-scented peace enveloped the empty church as I slowly made my way up and knelt. I felt the presence of my Grandmother while broken pieces of me were offered through whispered prayer. It is done. Redemption filled a penitent soul. Memory mingled with Grace.
Call to Action
Read and reflect on these scriptures this week:
Acts 5:31 (AMP) God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior and Deliverer, in order to grant repentance to Israel, and to grant forgiveness of sins.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
John 16:33 (CSB) I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
Revelation 21:6 (NIV) “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Reflection
Share an Easter memory that celebrates your relationship with Jesus. Use your story to encourage, testify, and preach the Good News during this Easter Season.
Reflect on the power of forgiveness. Do you need it, or do you need to forgive? Ask Jesus to guide you to the next right action. Then pass the blessing on.
Fasting during Lent is a symbol of sacrifice and offering to honor Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for us. What might you give up in love? Journal the feelings that come up when not preoccupied by your temptation. What are you learning about yourself and your walk with Jesus?
Make a list of those things you are ready to lay down at the foot of the cross. Leave them on Easter Sunday.
