When the Easter dress is on its hanger and the basket sits on its shelf.

When the pantry doors are closed and the apron’s on its hook.

When the traditions stay tucked in their drawers and the day feels unfamiliar.

You rose again.

When the chairs at the table are empty and we can’t get to the ones we love.

When the suffering is overwhelming and we’re unsure when it will end.

When the morning is dark and quiet, and we are waiting by ourselves.

You rose again.

When there’s a permanent lump in our throats and news headlines upend us.

When we can’t tie this up, and we are out of words.

When life is unrecognizable, and the fallout feels irreparable.

You rose again.

Mary wept alone outside your tomb, and You stood behind her.

The disciples hid alone indoors, and You appeared to them.

You died alone on the cross—

And You rose again.

You know our pain better than we know our pain, Lord Jesus.

You are still here.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”’‭‭ John‬ ‭11:25-26‬.