Happy Easter My Friends!
I am so grateful that this special Sunday we get to remember that moment where death had no power, where life was restored, where the impossible became possible and the unthinkable did happen. No matter what our faith is, no matter if we even believe in God or not, no matter if we are exhausted, tired, empty, lonely or broken, we can stand up, we can get up, we can trust that voice in our hearts that says ARISE.
Over a decade ago I spent a year and a half of my life as a missionary for the Church I belong to. That was perhaps the most intense 18 months of my life.
During that year and a half I was on my own. I was far away from my family, friends, island and the only way to communicate with them was through weekly letters.
Those 18 month were a learning sprint. I learned much from those around me, those of my faith, of other faiths, and even from those that claim to have no faith at all. I learned to open my heart to the heart of others, to give, to receive, to listen, to shut up. I learned that there is so much good inside of each of us, that everyone has a voice and that therefore everyone has the right to be heard. I learned that no one deserves to be invisible… NO ONE.
I thought I went to Madrid to teach people and after just a few hours as a missionary I understood that I went to Madrid to learn from them.
{ friendships that will last forever }
I am going to share with you one of those learning experiences that I had while being there. One night our Mission President ( the person in charge of all the missionaries in his area ) took me aside from a gathering that his sweet wife was hosting.
He told me I had been on his mind all day and he asked me when I had heard from my family last. I told him that it had been a few weeks since the last time I had heard from them. “How many weeks?” – He asked. I thought about it and I said perhaps a month. I told him not to worry about it, that my family was not big writers and that I was used to it.
Really, I was fine with it. I didn’t think anything was wrong. He was not content with my answer and he decided to call my mama and see what was going on. After talking with her briefly he hung up the phone.
His face had changed. Instead of concern now it was filled with compassion. He looked at me and spoke with the same sweetness that a father would speak to his beloved daughter. He told me some really sad news, that type of news that no one wants to hear. I listened to him and I instantly felt that my heart was damaged, my spirit was hurt and I felt completely and absolutely alone.
I went back to the apartment with the other sister missionary that was with me. I had nothing to say, I had nothing to share, I felt broken. I felt sad empty inside.
Have you ever felt that way?
I sat on my bed that night and I sobbed for hours… like a little child wanting to be hugged by his mother. I cried, I prayed, I cried and I prayed and then I cried and I prayed some more. I’m not sure when or how between prayers and tears I fell asleep but when I woke up in the morning something had happened. My heart was full, my sadness was turned into peace and my loneliness had been replaced by the knowledge that I had never been alone, I had the strength to ARISE!
(Free Easter Printable HERE)
My Savior had heard my voice, and I know He hears yours.
I was not invisible, and neither are you.
He had heard me and in the arms of his mercy He had held me and I know He holds you too.
He had seen me and He sees YOU.
I sat in my bed wanting to treasure that sweet feeling forever and the word that came into my mind that beautiful morning was ARISE. Because of Him I knew I could find the strength to heal my broken heart and in the middle of the darkness I could again see his light.
Every Easter I think about that experience and the meaning of such a simple word: ARISE.
Don’t take me wrong. The bunnies are adorable, the Cadbury Chocolate Eggs are so darn good, but the fact that our Savior arose, the fact that he resurrected, the fact that He lives, is what makes Easter so special to me, and I want to believe that it is what makes it so special for so many of us.
( Free Printable HERE)
I personally want to wish you all a wonderful Easter Day surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones. However if for any reason no one is around you, if for any reason even surrounded by people you feel like you are invisible, please trust me when I tell you that you are NOT alone.
XO
Desirée
Thank you. Thank you for your honesty and testimony. Thank you for helping me to feel enlightened, lifted and comforted. My struggles have been long and hard and constant and even though my prayers were those as well, I never felt like I was getting beyond the walls of my own home. I never felt heard. Since reading this, I know that He hears me. I know that one day my troubles will be different, and these ones will be over and that He will have carried me through it all. Thank you for putting your feelings into words that spoke to me so clearly, so truthfully. I cannot express to you my thanks! Happy Easter!
Desiree, You are such a blessing! I never miss reading your blog. I enjoy everything you write about.
Today’s post was amazing. It touched my heart but also brought a smile to my face. When my daughter was 4 (she is now 23) and at daycare, another child said that “Jesus was dead”… (maybe he meant in the tomb?). My daughter very quickly corrected him and said, “He arose”! I’m not even sure she really knew what “arose” meant. Aren’t we blessed that “He Arose”!
Thank you for sharing Desiree. What a beautiful testimony. I served in Italy many years ago, and it was so hard, but with His help, I did it. Thank you again for sharing!
…… and this post came from a mama of yours that said “You have No Heart” HA HA, I am still laughing at our conversation we had in my car. GOOD TIMES! This post was beautiful, and I love that you open up to all of us. Thanks for your BEAUTIFUL WARM HEART, Thanks for your testimony. xo, jen
Wow. Just wow. I don’t know you, nor have I followed your blog for long, but I just feel so close to you right now; is that too weird to say? You summed up both the beauty of missionary service and the point of the Gospel we teach. Sweet and perfect. Like this post. Thank you for letting me feel for a moment that my own mission was just yesterday (instead of the 15 years it really was!) and helping me reinforce my testimony of the day.
I don’t think it is weird at all… I think that is the magic of the gospel it teach us how close we are to each other and how much we all share in common…
Thank you so much for stopping by today!
Thanks so much for your post. My family had to be away today, and I was missing them so much and feeling all alone…kinda pouting and feeling sorry for myself too. As a child of God I knew the thinkgs you wrote, but sometimes we all need a little reminder. Blessings, Lori
Lori,
I think we all feel like that here and there… I am so glad that you came by today and shared with me a little moment of your Easter Sunday!
God bless you my love!
Beautiful post! Gave my heart wings to soar this morning. Thank you!
Also wanted to let you know that I received my prize box from Pick Your Plum yesterday. What a treat! Lots of fun craft stuff in there……including some adorable cupcake holders that I used this morning to make lemon cupcakes.
Always look forward to your posts.
AMEN!!1 He is always there for us and HE never leaves us. Happy Easter and for reminding us that Easter is about HIM. Have a great EASTER DAY11
Beautiful words…very touching. Thank you for sharing!
Desiree, I am so embarrassed that I called you Hermana Martinez last night. I worked with an Hermana Desiree Martinez in Florida, and it seems to just slips out by habit when my mind isn’t fully engaged, which is much too often. I am so sorry. Please don’t post it. Have a wonderful Easter.
Love, Tonia
Tonia, my love… don’t worry about a thing. I changed it for Martin if that makes you feel any better…♥
I have so many great memories of our time together, it was a blessing in my life to serve in Merida with you.
Happy Easter!