In the Pink!
Bonnie Bailey of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. -Matthew 5:38-45
Recently I received an advertisement in the mail. There was a picture of pink sport shoes on sale at a price that fit my budget. I like the color pink, and since I had an appointment in the city it seemed timely to go shopping! Yes, I bought the shoes because the color is a mood lifter-cheery and special.
I started to think about other things that are mood lifters-a friend’s smile, a child’s laughter, an unexpected visit, sunshine bursting forth after rain. The one mood lifter that cannot be beaten, and is free, is Christ’s message of love, hope, peace, and joy. It fills my life with meaning and purpose. It touches every aspect of my daily living.
As Easter approaches I am again reminded of the many moods of that event-from the apostles struggling to understand all that Jesus was saying, to great sorrow at the cross, to ultimate joy when the Resurrection changed everyone’s mood to joy, and finally, to more understanding of Jesus’ spoken words.
I pray for continued understanding and an open heart and mind to grow within Community of Christ. It cheers me to see and hear testimonies of God’s Spirit working with my fellow members in Christ all over this world.
I feel like I’m in the pink!
Prayer Phrase
“Every breath is a resurrection” (Gregory Orr).
Spiritual Practice
Breath of Life
Take a few moments right now to breathe. Simply observe each inhale and exhale. Pay attention to how it feels in your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. Notice how you breathe even when you aren’t thinking about it, how your body instinctively knows how to keep you alive without your thought or effort. In this moment, you are alive. Receive this awareness as an expression of divine grace. In joy or despair, loss or celebration, your body continues breathing. How is your breath a resurrection this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
