The Best Beginning in History

I had my own private Easter sunrise service. Just me and Pandora on my iPhone set to “Third Day Radio” in the wet Oklahoma morning. He is risen indeed.


This morning I contemplated Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stood at the foot of the cross and watched Him die. Church tradition has it that Joseph, her husband, had already passed on by then.

Now Jesus.

Some of His last words, as He struggled for each agonizing breath there on the cross, were to her. Directly to her. To make sure she was cared for. (John 19:26)

This Easter you, sweet sister, may find yourself a woman alone at the foot of the cross.

There are plenty of reasons.

You are not married. You are widowed. You are divorced. You husband recently left you and your children. Your husband travels for work and is often on the road. He is deployed in the service of his country. He is in prison. He is injured or ill.

In the first chapter of Acts, Mary the mother of Jesus was named in the company of believers who waited in the “upper room” after Jesus rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven, leaving instructions for those He loved and left behind. Life was not over for Mary at the foot of the cross. The cross was not the end; it was the best beginning in history. And she apparently didn’t miss a minute of it.

Be encouraged, friend. You are not abandoned. You are not to be pitied.

You are loved, treasured and honored. Jesus provided for you on the cross. He continues to provide for you.  His resurrection is your victory too.