Oh, FreedomEgzanp

A church should be a sanctuary. Thus, I was shocked, as a child, when our small church—in a humble Black part of our town—was vandalized; the altar, pews, and walls defaced with spray paint and food, the stain-glassed windows broken. I can still see my dad and fellow church members wielding mops and washrags, sweeping up glass, patching windows. Was it a racial attack, as many Black churches have endured? We never learned.

Come Sunday, however, as the church doors opened and church members entered to worship, not one soul was still bowed down in grief or despair. Inspired by Christ, we simply arose—even some usually in wheelchairs—to hold hands, encircling the sanctuary, and sing praises to God. But how could we rise and stand after such a demeaning assault?

Because of Jesus. He hung for us in infamy, after being whipped and mocked, to redeem all sinners, including His tormentors. Indeed, He defeated death itself, casting off the shame of crucifixion and the sting of the grave. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, He then got up. As He told Mary Magdalene, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17). As He had asked her, “Why are you crying?” (v. 15). His victory is reason for rejoicing. His triumph lifts every believer too. He is risen! Therefore, let us wipe our tears and rise. -Patricia Raybon