Finding the “Good” in this Friday...

I once walked to church in middle school. My cousin and I were adament about attending new membership classes so we decided to walk to church in the snow. That’s how eager and serious I was to learn more. The expectations and the praise from my Nana added to that desire. That seems so long ago now...things have certainly changed.

Today I found myself preparing fish. It’s Good Friday which is celebrated by Christians all over the world. It is observed as the day Pontius Pilate executed Jesus for crimes against the state. To them, Jesus was a threat going around showing grace and mercy, helping the poor and healing the sick. As I looked up recipes I started to think about the dynamic of this day. What it really means as the world is in pain. Subsequently our celebrations will be spent quarantined this year. No family gatherings, no events, and no church for Easter. This realization halted me, as I began to wonder why even bother. I had to quickly check myself...I bother because their is No Greater Love.

I’m not gonna teach or preach in this post. I’m just gonna express my feelings. I’ve had dark days, literally had one yesterday, where I’ve lost faith. I’ve lost things just like every other human in this world. I’ve been hurt and I’ve hurt in return. But I’ve always had a friend in Jesus who interceded for me. Now before you roll your eyes (non believers lol) I think it’s normal to find comfort in something even when we can’t see it. To me, Jesus is my homie. I have a Relationship with him as opposed to following the traditional path of religion. There’s a big difference.

Jesus as a man was a Friend to everyone. It’s found in archival history, and many religions speak fondly of his character. He wasn’t a crowd pleaser. He practiced his faith and wanted others to know the goodness of God. He was forgiving, patient, calm, soothing, a giver, a helper, a comforter, a listener, a healer, and a lover. Regardless of whether you believe he was The Son, or a Prophet...he was a Good Friend.

He has been my friend in moments when I couldn’t find the right words to pray. When I felt isolated or afraid. He traveled with me to a foreign land and held my hand while I sat in places alone unable to understand the language. To be totally honest I can’t explain the feeling, and it’s not to get all mythical and religious. It’s the comfort...you’ll know when feel it. Without it, I would have quit years ago.

This is not a talk to convert anyone, as I believe you should find your Relationships on your own. This is however a challenge I’m proposing for myself and everyone reading this. Let’s be more like the Good in him. This world will not be the same. Sickness, economic hardships, broken families, PTSD, and broken hearts will need to be mended. There is no quick fix. A vaccination will not be the answer. We have to learn how to be Good to ourselves and others. Will it be easy...No but we can all start by asking What Would Jesus Do? 😘