I don’t know how it’s the case, but somehow every year I forget the powerful connection between the end of Lent and the beginning of Spring. Yet each time the liturgical calendar draws us closer to Easter, I begin to notice new flowers springing out of the ground. Trees that had been bare are finally sprouting leaves; clover begins covering the ground in a vibrant green – everything is illuminated by a sun that seems to shine a bit brighter. Those signs that winter is beginning to pass and spring is on the way give me renewed life. In the season of Lent, they remind me that even after weeks of meditating on mortality, life continues springing forth.

This year is certainly no different. In the midst of all the turmoil in the world today, I frequently find myself longing to see those signs; I need the reminders of the tenacity of life.

“They tried to bury us.
They didn’t know we were seeds”

This quote is one that’s been used in various movements for liberation, from Immigration, to Black Lives Matter, to Mexican activists protesting the disappearance of 43 students who were abducted and killed in 2013. The phrase was originally coined by Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos, in a couplet that reads:

“What didn’t you do to bury me
But you forgot that I was a seed”

In the context of Lent and Easter the juxtaposition of death and rebirth, and of a seed buried only to spring forth to life, is clear. At More Light, we frequently see resurrection in the world. In seeing what happens when people are loved and affirmed in the fullness of who God created them to be, we witness resurrection. When we look at the world with a willingness to see the ways in which it is broken, while continuing to speak in hope that we can collectively make it better, we profess resurrection. When we look one another in the eye and let ourselves be truly seen, when our worship is carried out into the world, and our faith pulls us to work together to dismantle toxic systems of oppression, we practice resurrection.

Next Thursday, April 18th, is Maundy Thursday, the day Jesus shared his last supper with his disciples. It is also Give OUT Day, the ONLY national day of giving specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. On Give Out Day, we are inviting you to fellowship with us. We invite you to share your story of resurrection and to be part of our story by making a donation to More Light. Where have you seen life spring forth from decay? When have you been surprised or overjoyed by God’s abundance? How do you practice resurrection in your life? Who has shown you a hope beyond their difficult circumstances, or has walked with you through those circumstances? As you share your story, share about Give Out Day with your networks and help our roots continue to grow.

This day and every day, share your stories of resurrection. Be part of our story. Practice resurrection.

To schedule your gift now check out our Give Out Day site here.