All of Christianity hinges on Jesus reversing the power of death. As a favourite worship song declares, “death could not hold you, the veil tore before you, you silence the boast of sin and grave.” Resurrection, renewal, redemption. These concepts lay at the centre of all that we talk about on Sunday morning and all that we do every second of all the other days. Paul makes the bold statement in response to his nay-sayers: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile… we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 14:17-19).
Easter tells us that He has in fact risen, and by His rising, we can find renewal as well. We are made new by His ages-old sacrifice. In Issue 32 of Love Is Moving, we are celebrating this renewal and the way it rejuvenates every area of our lives. In these pages, you’ll find personal stories of emotional resurrection, stories of intense moments of salvation, as well as the small moments of renewal in the midst of day-to-day life.
Smack dab in the centre of this issue, we’ve also assembled a collection of Easter-themed poetry that tugs at our imago-made heartstrings and gets us in touch with our deep need for renewal.
Some further highlights from this issue include: Fresh bookish finds to settle down with during the winter months courtesy of Andrea Nwabuike; Abbi Ayers shares the way she found release from unhealthy relationships during her time with YWAM; Roxanne Oduro offers hope for the downcast single person; and the unique perspectives on culture and leadership from our columnists Shawn Naylor and Katie Pezzutto.
Enjoy and open your eyes to the way that Christ is making all things new.
Sincerely,
Conor
Rugged Beauty on the Streets of British Columbia – Sarah Evangeline
New Year, Same God – Roxie Groen
The Cell Door is Open – Josiah Piett
On the Shelf – Andrea Nwabuike
Renewed View of Male Relationships – Abbi Ayers
Your Resurrection Wants Your Attention – Grace Young
Jesus Knows You Well – Katie Pezzutto
Renewing the Shadow – Dylan Knibbe
Dear Single Person – Roxanne Oduro
The Answer Isn’t Jesus – Angelica Scribnock
Violence, Visions, Miracles, and Exile – Alyssa Esparaz
Poem: There is No Free Real – Dagmar Morgan
Poem: The Present Moment – Katherine Aliya
Poem: Haiku 45 – Adam Pietrantonio
Poem: Easter 2016 – Michael Bonikowsky
Poem: One Roman Nail – John B. MacDonald
Poem: Why Live When You Were Born to Die? – Priscilla Sears
Why Hold Back? The Heart of Awana – Eric Provost
Words That Would Become Flesh – Lisa Hanash
Living For Christ Without Crashing – Jason Lock
Compassion Kills Courage – Shawn Naylor
