In my quiet time, I’m reading through the gospel accounts of the last days of Jesus, something I do during the Lenten season.
Photo: Angel of Grief/Donny Tidmore
Yesterday when I was reading, I thought of you.
I read (in John 20) how Mary Magdalene went to the tomb on that third day. It was dark outside… in those tender hours before dawn, how dark her heart must have been too…how heavy. I imagine her nerves were ragged and raw after the horror of watching Jesus, her friend…her “Lord”, die a horrible death.
Grief is an all-consuming companion.
When Mary got to the tomb, a tragedy that couldn’t get any worse-couldn’t possibly be any more painful, did get worse… more painful.
At least from her perspective, because the tomb was empty.
Jesus wasn’t there.
After the drama of telling the disciples and the chaos of examining the tomb and no doubt frenzied discussion about what happened …Mary was left there at the empty tomb.
Alone.
Alone with her all-consuming grief. Alone wondering why he had to die and now…why someone had taken his body.
Pain heaped on pain.
As despair poured out of her in the form of tears, a man came up behind her and asked,
“Woman, why are you crying…?
She thought he was the gardner, thought desperately that he may have been the one who took the body of her Lord…
“Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you put him…”
I can hear her brokenness, feel her grasping for answers, grasping for something–anything…
And then it happened.
He said her name.
“Mary”
He called her by name and her eyes were opened and she saw Him…she saw Jesus. Right there with her.
***
When I was reading this my friends, that’s the moment I thought of you. So many of you have shared your hurts with me and I know so many more are in a dark place feeling very alone.
Does Jesus seem to be missing from your pain?
I don’t know how He might choose to do it sweet one, but my prayer is, that He meets you in your dark place…
…that He calls you by name. And that your eyes are opened to see Him close…
Sending love sweet friends
xo
deezie says
April 9, 2014 at 6:02 amGood Morning Robin
What a wonderful, Precious post. I do know Jesus and he is with my during my pain, but every day when I say my prayers I always pray that EVERYONE would know Jesus, that is my wish for the world
happy day Robin
deezie
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
April 9, 2014 at 6:39 amThank you for your wishes and thank you for a beautiful post. I do have Jesus in my heart as well as Mary and I speak to my guardian angel. I pray for guidance in my decisions and I pray that everyone follow the way of the Lord, if they did things would be so much better. Have a wonderful day and I pray especially for our treasures — the young men in women in the military who are sacrificing so much for us.
Lisa Gower Montgomery says
April 9, 2014 at 6:59 amHow beautiful! I want to save this one as a family devotional. Keep up the great work! Lisa
Diana says
April 9, 2014 at 7:37 amThank you Robin it is a beautiful post.
christiann says
April 9, 2014 at 8:01 amSo beautifully said…
Julie says
April 9, 2014 at 8:07 amI am new to your blog in the past month, but wanted to express my thanks for this post. I love crafting beautiful things, restoring order from “messes”, and caring for those around me (which is how I found your blog)…but the overall hope and purpose in all things is sharing the love of Christ.
I echo the earlier comments…thank you for sharing. Grateful that this Lent season leads to a glorious celebration of the risen Christ!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:48 pmJulie, I’m so happy to meet you my new friend…thank you so much for reaching out and encouraging me with your sweet words…Looking forward to getting to know you- Have a wonderful day~
Penny says
April 9, 2014 at 8:13 amA few tears with my coffee as I read this – beautiful and so point on. Thank you Robin.
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:45 pmPenny…sending love my friend.
Riki says
April 9, 2014 at 8:22 amThank you so very much !!! This was a perfect post for me to read this morning. I’m still wiping the tears !!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you !!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:36 pmRiki, Sending love my friend…thank you for your sweet words about the heart post xo
Vicky says
April 9, 2014 at 9:28 amThese are my most treasured posts from you! I learn so much- I lean into your words, the emotion, the perspective- the grace that follows me after I leave. These posts are gifts- and fill me deeply!
Love you sweet friend~ deep and wide
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:36 pmVicky, thank you for your encouragement my friend love you too…deep and wide xo
cindi says
April 9, 2014 at 9:56 amLove
Pinky says
April 9, 2014 at 11:56 amI KNOW He was with us in the accident and protected us all from harm!!! This is a WONDERFUL post. I am saving it to read again and again…..as I do with many of your posts. You bring me such peace. XOXO
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:35 pmPinky, Oh YES! He was definitely with you guys! I’m so glad you’re ok…and thank you for your friendship~ ox
Carolann says
April 9, 2014 at 1:01 pmI just shared this post on my blog…it’s so important that we remember we are not alone in our pain. Jesus is always there with us…walking alongside. When we are in the midst of our suffering…it’s easy to forget that. Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:34 pmCarolann, thank you so much for sharing this on your blog my friend~ sending love ox
Anita in SC says
April 9, 2014 at 1:11 pmThank you for this priceless post. As a fellow believer in Our Savior Jesus Christ, I can truly identify with the pain we all as Christians have to go through and that is a direct way to strengthen our faith and love for Him. God is goo ALL the time!!!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:33 pmAnita…yes He is good all the time! xo
Sandra says
April 9, 2014 at 1:36 pmThank you so much for your post. This is my favorite time of year, I can feel just a bit of that joy that Mary felt when he said her name. When she looked up and saw her Lord and Savior!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:33 pmSandra, I love this time of year too…have a blessed day my friend ox
Jenn in GA says
April 9, 2014 at 1:47 pmI have been reading through John since February, and Jesus’ compassion for people has come through loud and clear. So beautiful of you to share the compassion He has ministered to you with us. I love your heart, woman!!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:32 pmJenn, I so love the gospel of John don’t you? I love your heart too my friend xo
Joanne Boulter says
April 9, 2014 at 4:03 pmI would like to bare my testimony to you. I know from many greatexperiances that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ the God of this world, and that there is a Holy Spirit. They hear and answer our prayers. They love us more that we will ever know. God allowed his Son to dye for us. He wants us to be happy and will bless our lives when we are obediant to his laws. From this we will; find true happiness. I hope that everyone will find this out for themseleves. Happy Day!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:31 pmJoanne…Happy Day to you my friend xo
Julie Garmon says
April 9, 2014 at 6:22 pmOhhh, a Robin-heart post. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Love it. Love your heart and how you share it with us.
So much compassion.
Robin says
April 14, 2014 at 7:23 pmThank you Julie…xo
Elizabeth Stewart says
April 10, 2014 at 12:53 amThank you, Robin. I say ditto to what Julie said. You’re a wonderful encourager.
Robin says
April 14, 2014 at 7:23 pmThank you Elizabeth…as are you my friend ox
Bekah says
April 10, 2014 at 12:57 pmI am sitting here in tears. Such a beautiful post. Oh what a compassionate and loving Savior we have!! Praying the same prayer that each of those we love in pain will hear Him call their name. Love you Mama Robin. xo
Robin says
April 14, 2014 at 7:22 pmBekah…love you too sweet girl ox
Julie Roy says
April 11, 2014 at 3:41 pmSuch beautiful words. Thanks Robin for sharing this!
Robin says
April 17, 2014 at 12:30 pmJulie, thank you for taking time to read it ox
Gail says
April 14, 2014 at 9:30 pmOh Robin….I just now read this post…..a few days late…but I was moved…with the grief of my daughter’s death…I have been so in grief and pain. This post spoke to me…thank you for reminding me of that scripture and the words of Jesus. Yes, he is with us in our grief. Bless you.
Robin says
April 15, 2014 at 9:13 amGail…you are one of the people I thought of when I wrote this…my sweet friend, I think of you and whisper prayers when I look at my prayer bracelet …I’ve asked God to use the bracelet to remind me of you dear one. sending love xo
Elaine Arent says
April 15, 2014 at 8:19 pmWhat a beautiful post. You are so gifted in writing. I appreciate you so much. May you have a blessed Easter and enjoy your family. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.