Easter

Redemption is a experience that changes all who see it. For some it's a process like a slow baked potato. Others it's like a Polaroid and in a flash of light the change occurs. I know for me, redemption has been slow. Decades have passed to realize how important Jesus is for me and weirdly (at least to me) that my imperfect mortality is needed for him. It seems at times, that there are people only we can touch in the way we weirdly know how and we speak the language that changes and touches the hearts of others. Let me give some examples...

When I was on my mission in California, while serving it last area, we came across a Satanist. He wanted to speak about repentance and in a matter of minutes he was weeping. He wanted to repent of his dark ways. My companion, understanding his lingo, turned to me and said something like, I am about to say some things, forgive my speech. The next five minutes he said so much fowl language, I was shocked on the inside but calm on the outside. This fellow went home and was truly changed and repented joining the church. The Lord put my companion in that place in that moment because my companion was prepared through his life experiences as a former long haired bass player knowing the lingo, would change a life with his experience.

The second story is similar. As a ten year old I was teased ruthlessly by a fellow. I was so scorned and angry. I wished so much I'll every time I thought of him. Now, when I came home eleven years later after my mission, I happen to visit an old ward building. I didn't know why I went by when I was finished with my visit I saw my bully.... A return missionary, sharp and clean; repented. I felt sick, I was so confused at the result. I think now of Paul's and Alma's victims. The vast soul tear. They repented and I let an experience love rent free in my mind. I forgot to allow him to change believing he wouldn't. 

Easter is about change; rebirth, and renewal. Jesus gave us life and rebirth. He created a world where the mortal could put on immortality and the corruptible  could put on in corruption. Change has been everything. He died as the Son of Man and Rose as the Son of God. We need Him but also remember He needs us. We are the perfect, son, daughter, dad and mom. We are the perfect teacher, Bishopric secretary, Relief Society president, etc. We are the perfect neighbors and friends. Now, I know your wanting to point how much we all make mistakes and transgress the laws of God and if you are awake to that then I know you are changing the best you know how. We can change ourselves though Christ and if we are reaching out in our roles, we are changing others. The Holy Ghost is inspiring us daily. 

Easter encompasses that. All the pain, the suffering, the sorrow, the embarrassment, the shame encompasses one half and the overwhelming joy, charity, faith, and forgiveness encompasses the other side of the fulcrum. 

One day your heart will be measured. Your sorrow and wrench will be weight against your compassion and charity. Pain is part of life. It is what you do with that pain that determines character and spirit. Rise and forgive. Love like it cannot be returned. Have faith like you are alone and Hope like no one hears. Jesus is so close you can hear His whisper. God loves you and we are encouraged to remember it this Easter. Happy Atonement day.

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