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“‘He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.’”

 

 

This image is from a very special moment in my life. A moment where Jesus felt so close, like I could reach out and touch him. You see, this image was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus begged not to die. Sitting under trees that may have existed at that very moment was so surreal. It’s like they were carrying all the pain and joy wrapped up in that evening 2000 years ago.

 

And I wanted nothing more than to rage at God. To call out and try to save this man who gave his life for me. In that moment, I would have gladly traded my life for His, the blameless one. I thought about Peter pulling out his sword and how desperately he must have wanted to defend Jesus. I imagine I likely would have done the same.

But I felt Him reach out and touch me. Comfort me in the same way He did for Mary. He called me by name and said “I love you and now is the time for dancing. I didn’t stay gone. Dry your tears and come dance with me. We have many stories to make and tell.”

Jesus calls each of us by name. He didn’t stay gone friends, so let’s start the dancing.

Happy Easter!