March 2024 – Positive Woman Connection

The beauty of Spring spurs in us a sense of newness and hope. This week in particular gives us renewed joy as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death. We are reminded that no matter how dark the day, God brings light and redeems what seems broken. As we reflect on the powerful stories of this week, let us find renewed love and gratitude for all God is doing in our lives.

Take some time to pause and ponder the events of Holy Week. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the last supper with His disciples, Jesus washing their feet, the prayer in the garden, and His arrest. The turn of the crowd shouting, “Crucify Him!” The agony of the cross and the mocking voices, “Save yourself!” His declaration, “It is finished.”

And it was finished. He had paid the price for our sins. A loving sacrifice. But the story was far from over. On the third day, He arose. The angels declared it, the women proclaimed it, His disciples believed it (except for Thomas who eventually came around). Victory over death – a glorious hope for all who believe!

How do we participate in this story? We begin with faith in the Son of God, Jesus, who loved us and gave himself for us. We continue by praising Him and thanking Him. Rejoicing in the fact that He gives us forgiveness of sins, life everlasting, and hope for each day.

We joyfully grow in a love relationship with Him. He is not far off. He is near. His Spirit who dwells within us is our helper who guides us and gives us strength. This week, let us relish the fact that we are never alone. The living and eternal God loves us and is with us.

Photo by Wai Siew on Unsplash

This weekend we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but the life lessons we glean from Patrick’s amazing life are far different than the parade and celebrations of today. His story is truly inspirational and a beautiful picture of God’s work through a humble heart.

Born to a noble family in Roman Britain (now part of Scotland) in 373 AD, he didn’t adhere to his family’s Christian faith in his early years. Yet at the age of 16, Patrick was taken captive by pirates and sold into slavery in Hibernia (Ireland). While in captivity he gave his life to Christ.

At age 22, God miraculously led him to freedom, and he was able to find a ship that took him to Britain. Although there were setbacks, he eventually made it home. There in the safety and joy of being reunited with his family, the Lord spoke to him in a dream and told him to return to Hibernia. His family begged him not to go, but at the age of 30, he returned to the place that once held him captive. The one book in his hand – a Latin Bible!

He began preaching about Jesus and sharing the victory of the gospel story. He preached of the resurrection and used a clover to illustrate the Trinity. God worked powerfully through Patrick as thousands were converted to Christ. He put an end to the Druid’s human sacrifices as well as ending slavery.

Many generations to come were transformed by the willing heart of this faithful servant. His life was filled with hardship, humility and the joy of seeing many come to faith in Jesus. May his story inspire us to share Christ’s love and hope wherever we find ourselves, even in the hard places.

In short, I am a slave in Christ to this faraway people for the indescribable glory of ‘everlasting life which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. – St. Patrick, “A Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus”

Photo by Yan Ming on Unsplash