Why faith. Why Easter. What, when where, why, how…..asked me that 30 years ago and I may have struggled….(oops, bit of a giveaway there!)…

I’d like to explain (it’s taken me a while)…almost shout it from the roof tops. Except that attempting to climb a ladder could be a bit dodgey.

Easter is approaching, such a precious time for contemplation on the life of Jesus so freely given for us all. A time to very humbly give thanks & the realisation of how each one of us is so very deeply loved and so importantly … forgiven & offered newness of life.

Years ago, I would have been very busy during this particular week (and many others if I’m being honest)….but in these days, I won’t be attending the Procession of Witness in our local town. Yes, we’re still permitted to make that statement of faith. I won’t be attending Communion or Compline every night of Holy Week, sniff. I loved that. I am I guess basically non-denominational these days.

….I won’t be processing in with a choir on Easter Day/Resurrection Sunday leading the congregation in joyous song. I also loved that. I won’t be teaching in Sunday school, or helping in creche, or taking a meal to someone in need or giving someone a lift home from church, organising rotas, visiting, displaying flowers, making refreshments or stacking chairs…yes, it became a bit busy.

I also won’t be spending time visiting & sharing precious time & laughter with family. I miss those hectic, fun, trying to squeeze everyone around the table gatherings so very much. ❤

Then what will I be doing? I will be hugging someone at or in the vicinity of my front door, or on the landing…that’s a frequent hugging venue, (if I’m not up to a visitor that is or they can’t be here, it will be virtual hugs). I will be a listening ear (I’ve learned when to stop talking…ok, most of the time, alright some of the time), celebrating someone’s victory or sharing tears. I will be offering to pray for someone, even if they don’t ask me to first, and I will be praying for someone who may not have asked at all. I will be listening to worship music, audio scripture, hopefully illuminating a word or two…and just giving thanks. (And yes, there will be chocolate in the equation.)

My ability to express my faith in the numerous ways I grew so accustomed have been taken away and there’s still something, well rather more than I could possibly have imagined left…the unseen, the quiet in the background faith that grows, comforts, contemplates, encourages … it’s still there. I have truly come into relationship with God…..

And it’s a-maz-ing!

I am in contact and have come to know many MEeps, & folk with other life restricting conditions, who share a similar life, and who quietly & so very diligently support in the background, leading their own areas of ministry….pretty much unseen. I find them such a massive inspiration, and am so blessed to be in contact with them.

…. you know who you are! ❤ xxx

When I developed ME/cfs I thought I had been robbed of my faith life. I thought… ‘well, that’s it then, high & dry’. And basically ME/cfs life can often feel a bit like the Scrapheap challenge. But, what I have since discovered over many years, is that as a Christian MEep I have been enriched beyond words, and stand (well figuratively speaking) with some super awsome people…with MEeps of faith.

I’ve attached a link to a message I listened to last week. It says it all really.

Have a very Happy & Blessed Easter

John 10:10b

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Penny ~ Hope found in ME

 

Song suggestion ~

In Christ Alone ~ Lou Fellingham

Message link ~ (30 mins listening time).

Why your life matters ~ Answers with Bayless Conley

NB. I will qualify that I don’t consider my self anywhere near on the level of the people mentioned in the above link. 

*MEep = an ME peep (person with ME/cfs)