In 2018 California was decimated by the Woolsey Fire. Los Angeles and its surrounding areas were devastated. Charred mountains, destroyed homes, displaced people, and lost lives left the community marked and impacted. The next year my family went to Los Angeles for vacation and could not escape the visual reminders of the tragedy. Black char was visible on the mountains, and one of our favorite studios we’d hoped to visit no longer existed.
We had a memorable and fun vacation, and every day were reminded of the haunting past of the recent fires. To our surprise, we traveled into the mountains and were blown away by the beauty of fresh, vibrant flowers that were blooming out of the ash. If you know our family, you are not surprised that it turned into a photo session. Remarkably and beautifully, we were given a stunning reminder of the life that comes from death.
This visual paints a picture for us to deeply appreciate the power of the resurrection. The sadness that was felt on Friday when Jesus breathed His last was destroyed as His lungs filled with air and He walked out of the grave. His victory over death and the grave made it possible for His sacrifice to defeat the Enemy and our hope to be delivered.
Every day that you wake up and live with purpose is made possible by the resurrection of Christ. In fact, the Good News cannot be fully shared without His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15 goes so far as to say that without His resurrection, we are miserable, hopeless, and void.
While you are likely planning extra time with family and friends this holiday weekend, take time to read over 1 Corinthians 15 and reflect on the goodness of God, the power of Christ, and the hope that we have in a Risen Savior.