By: Ashley Griffin, MDS Director of Admission
I am not a pastor or religious leader. Just a woman searching for meaning in what is happening in our world today. Looking for hope. Turning to God for answers and clarity. Asking for more patience. Searching for ways to keep my sanity and serve my own family, while trying to find ways to help others.
In these uncertain times, some may be asking themselves, “Is this the end?” I do not actually believe this, but if I am being honest, the thought has crossed my mind. Ironically a few months ago, I started reading the book of Revelations. In chapter 15, God delivers the seven plagues and the people were given two choices: to worship or run. Repent or raise a rebel fist. There were only two choices, and today we are given the same.
It is hard. Some days you feel helpless. The blows continue to come and the uncertainty is overwhelming. Imagine what Jesus felt like on the Via Dolorosa, the path to the cross? The physical and mental pain must have been unbearable at times. But He knew, just as we know now, that God will pull us through. He always does. HE is enough, HE has a plan for us, and HE is in control. The world did not end on that Good Friday at Calvary. A new hope began, just days later. We can find hope this Easter season as well. So let’s choose to worship, not to run. Let’s choose goodness, mercy, and love.
What does worship look like to you? Song, prayer, reaching out to neighbors or family in need, serving others, reading your Bible. Find something that brings you peace and closer to God. Ask yourself what we can learn from this? What is God trying to tell us? To be more present with our children. To serve. To work on your inner self. How can we be more like Jesus? How can we ensure we are representative of the fruits of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control. And always be thankful.
Easter is a time of rebirth. Starting fresh. In the midst of a world-wide pandemic and economic woes, turn to the one that is in control to bring you peace. Enjoy the blooms of spring, the sunshine (and rain), leave a note for your elderly neighbor, Facetime with friends, and pray. Pray hard. And love one another. Remember Jesus’ suffering, accept the hard times we are in now, and press on.
And go listen to Highlands (Song of Ascent) by Hillsong Worship, which says:
I will praise You on the mountain
And I will praise you when the mountain’s in my way
You’re the summit where my feet are
So I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
You’re the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same
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Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic school located in Macon, GA, and serves students in Bibb, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and other surrounding counties. MDS is sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy. Since 1876, MDS has served a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.