Yesterday my neighbors made me cry.

Brokenness.

It’s all around me, every where I look, in most conversations, in my church and where I live.

God is not afraid of our brokenness, but we sure seem to be.

Not only afraid of our own pain and suffering but afraid to step into the brokenness of others around us.

On my street in the last year there have been…

families torn apart by the pain of divorce

loved ones that left the earth too soon

paralyzing anxiety that keeps people from a full life

people in bondage to addictions

kids who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from

And those are just some of the stories I know first hand.

Yesterday, I couldn’t hold it in.

I was able to overcome my fear of the brokenness around me, enter into it and cry out to God on behalf of my neighbors.

God is not afraid of our brokenness. Jesus wasn’t hesitant to enter into our mess.

As we approach Easter many wonder again about what the “resurrection” means for our every day lives.

People ask,

“If I were to ACTUALLY believe that a man was also God, and then think it MAY be true that he died but came back to life… why does it matter? Why is this good news?”

Through the tears for my neighbors, I asked this same question to a God that I DO believe in.

“What is the good news of your death and coming back to life?” I ask Jesus because I believe he is with me right now.

What is the good news for my neighbors today?

Death had to be conquered for us to live a full life now and also forever with God.

So, no matter how shattered our families may be – we are invited into a family of God that has a future of hope.

Lives surrendered to Jesus result in death on earth as still painful, but not final.

Even a lifetime struggling with anxiety can be healed in a moment, but if not, will be healed when God’s Kingdom comes fully and there is no more fear, crying or pain.

The chains of addiction can be broken and we can live in freedom that Jesus promised his Kingdom can offer.

Basic needs are met by a God who uses us to care for those in need, especially children.

Jesus came back to life so we could truly live.

Not only in some mysterious future reality, but right now! With hope in the midst of the brokenness around us.

I believe this good news for my neighborhood but more importantly I want to LIVE this good news every day.

Yesterday my neighbors made me cry. And they probably will tomorrow as well.

The good news of Jesus is that brokenness isn’t the end of the story.

“Don’t be afraid! Take courage. I am here!”

-Jesus