We Have Risen!

As I look out my window the night looks a little darker. The sky seems eerily still. The heartbeat of the nation has a different pace this evening, September 11, 2001.

Many times, I sit on my porch drinking a cup of coffee and watching the planes fly peacefully into Lindbergh Field in San Diego. Their beauty and grace remind me that I too should fly above life's circumstances. Tonight I don't feel quite the same. I have another set of emotions about planes. My heart and mind feel dim and distraught. Life doesn't seem so safe.

Tomorrow I should have been on a plane to Chicago. Where were you going? What were you doing when you heard about these incredible events that have forever changed America? Most of us will never forget.

Although we have lost many lives in this senseless tragedy, we have not lost the American spirit. People have come through for one another. In my neighborhood, the blood bank line went around the block, American flags fly high and a woman that I barely know even said, "I love you!" Throughout the nation, everyday heroes have emerged. Under almost unbearable circumstances, people have reached beyond themselves for someone else. We have risen!

Although we have clearly not come to grips with the full impact of this tragedy, let us keep in mind, the "We Have Risen!" mentality. We can do this by taking a few moments to reflect upon the life and death of Jesus Christ, for through His example, we can find the strength that we so desperately need in trying times.

When Jesus experienced horrific circumstances upon the cross, He said,"Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing."(Luke 23:34 NIV). He then"called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46 NIV).

When we experience a crisis in our life, we may also feel like we will breathe our last breath. We may feel like we cannot cope with a tragedy and life may not be worth living. At some time or another, most of us have probably felt this way. Fortunately, when we experience a gut-wrenching crisis, we can commit our spirit to Jesus Christ. As shown by His example, He understands our position. Therefore, we must look to Him.

Thankfully, Jesus also shows us the answer to coming through a death-like event. "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again." (Luke 24:7 NIV). Jesus came forth!

Like Jesus came forth, we can do the same. The example of the resurrection gives us hope to hold on for a fresh beginning. The "We Have Risen" mentality can give us a new set of wings!

This week, if life seems unbearable, look to Jesus Christ. Trust that he can pull you through your challenge. Hold on so that the "We Have Risen" mentality becomes a part of you.

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Contributed by Eileen Hegel (Copyright © 2000 Eileen Hegel). Eileen Hegel has a Master's Degree in Communication from Regent University. If you have any questions about personal growth you can visithigherways.comore-mail Eileen.