Lola Rosenberger moved to Central Florida in 2001 with her late husband John. After retiring, John served as an Army Chaplain and was a Pastor in the United Methodist Church for 52 years. Lola graduated from the University of Dubuque in Iowa with a M.A. She served as a Pastor for 4 years and a Chaplain at a retirement home for 8 years.
By Lola Rosenberger
Religion Guest Columnist
A therapist said to the chocolate Easter bunny, "What's been up lately?" The bunny responds, "I don't know. I just feel so hollow inside."
The stats tell us that many feel just like the chocolate Easter bunny: hollow inside. In 2024 some 249,300 people committed suicide in the US. Many feel empty and/or have no sense of purpose. The songwriter Bill Gaither recently wrote a song that says "There's a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill".
Easter represents the most important holiday of the year for Christians. We celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. Because of this the power of Christ can fill the hole in our heart.
As a believer I have victory over death. John 11 tells us the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The 2 sisters call Jesus when Lazarus is sick and dying. When Jesus arrives Lazarus has been dead 3 days. The sisters are angry because Jesus didn't come earlier as they believed if he had been there Lazarus would not have died. But Jesus replied "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die shall live." (John 11:25) Resurrection gives us hope beyond the grave. We call this eternal life.
Easter reminds me of the power of the cross. Jesus' death and resurrection are not separate happenings in history. They are part of the redemption plan to save us from our sins. (Mark 10:45) "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many".
Easter gives me hope and renewal. From the beginning of Lent I have been encouraged to participate in reading of the scriptures, studies and self denial. All these disciplines are to help me grow and be encouraged throughout the year. In study I am reminded of the great sacrifice Christ made for me when He died on the cross. It shows me when "I walk through the shadow of death" (Psalms 23) my Savior is with me. When I go through sickness or injuries He is also there. God promises in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave you or abandon you."
What a wonderful promise to claim! I was reminded of this just last Easter when I was bedridden following an accident. Though I missed the wonderful services and music of the season God was with me in the bed at the rehab center.
Be encouraged by the Easter hope Christ offers to all. For all who feel hollow inside, believe that Christ died and rose again for you.
The third verse of the hymn "Easter People, Raise Your Voices" states:
"Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song. When in trouble move the faster to our God who rights the wrong. Alleluia! See the power of heavenly throngs."
