Show Us, God, your power over death itself

By Jodi Beyeler, vice president for communications and people strategy

This week’s theme: Show Us, God, your power over death itself

This week’s Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1-14 | Psalm 130 | Romans 8:6-11 | John 11:1-45

Maybe I should stop reading news articles about the mortality rate of COVID-19, or how people are dying alone in Italy. The power of death in the face of our current global pandemic has never seemed closer and more real.

As I seek to see and understand God’s power over death during this season of Lent, I’m pushing myself to ask:

• How do I let go of my fear and anxiety around death?
• How can I remember that death always brings new life?
• And, how do I want to live now?

So, in response to my questions, I offer this short list of what I’m going to seek to do each day (as I also wash my hands over and over, and practice social distancing!):

1. Feel my heart beat. Take a deep, deep breath.
2. Light a candle.
3. Go on a walk.
4. Give thanks to God for a new day.
5. Connect (safely) to my neighbors and the ones I love.