As far back as I can recall, we went to church every Sunday. Mom felt it was her duty to make sure we went so we'd put on our Sunday clothes, first inspection was grandma cleaning behind our ears with the dishrag and a bobby pin.
And then through the years the graduation from children's Sunday school room, to grade school ages. By the time we were teens it wasn't as mandatory and could opt to stay home with some designated task like the dishes or clean our bedrooms. Usually we just watched TV.
Except when Easter came along.
There were small filled baskets of jelly beans, colored grass that hid little chocolates, and other candies. And we had to find them, which was the best part. I've read this was a tradition going back to the 17th century where originally kids made nests for " bunnies" (hares) which probably became a meal along the way.
But that evolved into them laying chocolate eggs and well, imaginations turn things to merchandise before long. Big chocolate bunnies, cream flavored mini eggs, and if course, marshmallow chicks.
We were allowed to find our baskets but not eat but one piece until we got home from church that Sunday. Once we got home a ham dinner with potatoes, yams, and a veg. Pies for dessert weren't a tradition in our home but devouring everything in our baskets was. A dentist's joy.
But from very young hearing about Jesus loving children, then piecing parts together, along the way to getting older, his life took a turn of events to the cross, death, and resurrection.
Davey and Goliath TV show became a routine watch, and the King of Kings epic movie ..and that's the first time I recall seeing Jesus as a character doing Jesus things. Then The Greatest Story Ever Told, which actually reduced Jesus importance to being just a story somehow in my heart and mind. Hollywood never really was a good influence on the truth of God. But the stories were watched every Easter like a family tradition.
Soon however, my teen years were more interested in sports shows and the Bunny holiday took a back seat. After all, I could go anytime to the Five and Dime store and get all the candy I wanted. I just had return pop bottles or do a chore for money.
The evolution of faith is a pathway to follow, and adherence to grow. Most take the casual stroll but are easily distracted, wandering for the world's temptations thrown in our faces. I am no different.
As a child Jesus loved me this I know for the Bible tells me so. As an adolescent his terms seemed more along the lines as do as I say, then added not like I do, by the time my teen age had arrived.
But the 70s shifted that and hippy drug culture, protesting the establishment, and a Jesus revolution all collided at once and it was either free fall, free will, or freedom.
But Easter Holiday continued, because traditions are hard to kill, and so was Jesus. He appeared more to beat it by those years and the war for souls was in full wager.
And for me, that fight was won in my yielding to his truth, healing, and love, which the other side, my enemy, was finally unmasked as a liar, thief, and murderer. Jesus really was alive and could forgive sin, bring joy, and give a purpose to a life.
As long as I can remember through the years there was always this exclamation in church on Easter Sunday, ,"He is risen!" to which one's reply was, "He is risen indeed"! How affirming and rooted that is in our lives after finding Christ. Now I know why it's said, not just as an affirmation, but as an acknowledgement that becomes so ingrained in our spirits, that when Jesus makes himself known to us as a person...it is not hard to understand and offer praises for that sacrifice.
Easter. We celebrate it traditionally once a year on a designated Sunday...but Christ rose once and for all from the dead and has made himself known to the world, on the path he makes, for every single person on this earth. And I purpose to let everyone know that's why I am the way I am. A believer.
And it'll be a pathway for each person drawn to his live, just for them, to find him waiting with open arms. No longer on the cross dying for our sins, but outstretched and welcoming us into a place in heaven with our father. God.
So, Happy Easter, he has risen...the rest is up to you to decide about... But it's worth it ..and so are you.

Today, is a powerful story—moving from the comfort of tradition to the conviction of a life surrendered to His plan. That structure of moving from the quiet, steady prayer at your family table to the loud, life-changing joy of the Resurrection makes for a powerful testimony. It captures both the roots of your faith and the fire of your current belief. Let God be praised!

See how our path shows,
A Growing Light. ✝️. Happy Easter everyone!

https://suno.com/s/4d9fvYBQesI6Lhr7