E is for Ezra. Read past Blogging from A to Z Challenge posts by clicking here.
Well, here we are. Five days into the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. What have I gotten in to?! So far, I have found this a very spiritually uplifting and challenging exercise. Thank you for the many kind notes and encouraging comments, too. It’s nice to have cheerleaders following along and providing a daily dose of Vitamin Pep. Let’s hope I can continue finding inspiration until the last letter of the Z-post has been typed and published.Â
When I contemplated jumping into the challenge, I wanted to do so only if I could share stories of conversion and transformation, healing and resurrection, joy, hope, the presence of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. So much negative stuff circulating about the blogosphere, especially in Christian circles, I felt called to the challenge if only to stay intentionally focused on the reality and POWER of the Resurrection during this Easter season.
As I prayed for letter-E inspiration, I couldn’t get beyond one story that has touched a great number of people, one that embodies conversion and transformation, healing and resurrection, joy and hope. After Ezra: An Easter Story tells the story of Ryan and Anu Galloway and their baby boy Ezra. It was the front-page, lead story of the Des Moines Register on Easter Sunday. I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen such a pro-Catholic story get front page billing. It has gone somewhat viral outside the Des Moines area, but on the off-chance you haven’t yet read it, give yourself a few minutes this weekend to soak it all in. Might be the best thing you read today, if not all year.
After Ezra reminds us that in a truly Christian worldview, the Resurrection is the final word on suffering, sin, tragedy, and loss. Thank you, Des Moines Register and journalist Mike Klein, a job well done! And Ryan and Anu, thank you for your witness. Welcome Home!