When Hope Rose From the Dead

Peeking through the curtain, I scanned the audience and hoped my entire family showed up.

I’d landed my first high-school role in the broadway musical, South Pacific.

Thankfully, my character as the island girl, Liat, called for a few speaking parts and no singing—not my strong suit.

With sweaty palms and a rush of adrenaline, I checked the seats again.

And if my people show up, would I make them proud when I took my final bow?

From side stage during the first scene, my gaze spotted them through the blinding light.

All my loved ones occupied the entire third row. They’re here, now break a leg.

Front-row Seats for When Hope Rose

I found my groove and remembered my few lines with no blunders. But my glory days as an actress ended soon after.

History also recounts a glory day when hope showed up…big. Over 2000 years ago, God set the stage for a story of hope to unfold.

The birth of the Christ-child took place in a lowly stable where animals occupied the front-row seats.

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Unashamed: I Worship Jesus Christ

Unashamed.

Google defines it as “expressed or acting openly and without guilt or embarrassment.”

Embarrassed about my Lord and Savior? Never.

Oh I’m sure there were instances in the past when I held back or shied away from sharing my spiritual beliefs…from speaking the name of Jesus…from full disclosure of my life in Christ.

But you know what? Not anymore. Sure, I mess up, fail, and sin. So, I pray for a show-and-tell life. That my words tell others who I worship and my actions show others who I worship.

Still, sometimes we fall prey to the mindset that only church or “Christian” events or missions—where it’s “appropriate” and even expected—as the places for unashamed worship.

Unashamed in Life

Instead, it’s about out there in the real world, on the job, on social media, and amongst unbelievers—some may even be antagonistic toward Jesus and toward us.

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Drag Along Regret or Run Free to God

Regret. 

Such a small word that packs a big punch. Often, a supersized punch to the gut. And it leaves us gasping for air and reeling in supercharged pain in our soul.

Regret is displayed in these ways: sorrow/sadness, repentance, disappointment or remorse for a missed opportunity.* 

In order to unpack the specifics about regret, let’s look at examples and Scriptures.

Sorrow & Regret

Sorrow over a great loss. Maybe a loved one’s death or a broken relationship.

The regret runs much deeper when both are involved. A loved one dies before restoration takes place in the relationship. I’ve seen this fleshed out at funerals. Sons and daughters or fathers and mothers or brothers and sisters who skipped the services because of a hurt or grievance. 

But this hits a little too close to home in my current situation. Someone in my extended family refuses to live at peace with me. Reconciliation, at least for now, is not the desired outcome for her. 

I pray and ask the Lord to humble my heart and help me continue to reach out. So regret is not my companion now or later.

Repentance & Regret

Past mistakes and sin keeps us chained to regret.

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Shushed No More About Jesus

Shh…please be quiet!

Shushed. It happened in elementary school. And at the library.

My mom insisted I was quiet in church—the right thing to do. So, apparently the preacher could yell. But me? No freedom of speech from the pew. 

True, I didn’t have the floor or the stage.

As a child, I remember when grown-ups asked for a little peace and quiet. Perhaps for their sanity. 

Oh if we rewound the tape, there’s more examples of attempts to silence me. Instead, let’s fast-forward to present day.

Shushed No More

Now, I’m a woman. Sure, certain scenarios in life call for silence and no talking—“zip it.”

Like when my husband’s watching one of his favorite TV shows or wishes to hear something on the news. I get it. I need to hush.

But other shushing hits too close to home and my heart. Because attempts are made to silence my faith. Sometimes in the form of audible requests, and other times unheard voices but nonetheless real messages to shush.

But…my name is Karen Friday and I refuse to be quiet about my Lord.

I refuse to be silent about my faith. I will not be quiet about Jesus. #faith Share on X Read More…