Spring has finally sprung in New England and it brings a welcome respite from the dark, cold days of winter. Easter came late in the season this year, which means instead of searching for buds, my garden is visibly full of color. It too is a welcome change from the brown yard of winter.
I love Easter. It feels magical. Mysterious. Miraculous. The dark days of Lent are gone. We unbury the Alleluia. We rejoice that death has been overthrown.
And yet. The miracle of the empty tomb is terrifying. The miracle of Easter calls us to action. Sometimes I feel a little less like:
Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
And a little more like:
Holy Shit. Christ is Risen.
What the hell does that even mean?
As we live into this new season, here are five things I’m leaning into as I ponder what Easter really means for me in this time.
One Article to Reflect on What Formed You
David and I have been talking a lot about how growing up in the Lutheran Church has formed us and how we think about faith, so I was really glad to read this article in the NY Times yesterday (gift article). I grew up in a tradition that was dedicated to serving our neighbor, to loving people around us in how we spoke and how we acted, to flinging the doors wide open with grace. This tradition formed me and shaped me into who I am today and how I understand God’s vast love as radical inclusivity.
One Book to Empower You
Like many of you, I was first introduced to Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde during the Inauguration. After choosing Courage as my word for 2025, I bought a copy of How We Learn to Be Brave, but because my book stack is far too big, I hadn’t had a chance to read it yet. When making my after-Easter reading plan, its bright blue cover screamed at me - if there’s ever a perfect time to read this book, it’s now.
Friends - I sat down with it yesterday and devoured the first several chapters. She is so wise, and so gentle, and yet so empowering. Whether you’re feeling called to do something big or something small, this book is full of the right words for right now.
An App Worth the $
I have been spending far too much time collecting recipes, making meal plans, and then deciding not to make anything I’ve planned. Several months ago while lamenting this fact, a friend told me about the Paprika app. When she was at my house a few weeks ago, she showed it to me. Later that night, I paid the $4.99 to purchase it, and I have not looked back since. How does this relate to Easter, you might ask? Well, it’s a new beginning for me. And also it’s freeing up time for me to do other things, like read more books and write this newsletter. It’s really a win/win all around.
One Playlist I’m Loving
One Poem For A Threshold Moment
She stands on the threshold,
bare feet on rocks;
cap on cranium,
hands on hips,
baby in belly,
toddler secure on the sand.
Waves lap at her shins,
cooling off her torrid skin,
calling her to go deeper;
waves like the placenta
keeping her baby safe inside.
She walks to deeper water,
leaving her toddler at the shore;
allowing cool water to envelop her,
letting the ocean protect her,
giving her strength to carry on.
Happy Easter friends. May you find moments of rest, relaxation, and peace in the midst of this exciting—and terrifying—season.
Until next time,
Very intrigued by the Paprika app!