Sunday, March 29, 2009

Testimony


Waiting at a red light on the way to church today, I witnessed about 20 people congregated on the street corner. They were dressed in bathrobes- with bedsheets on their heads, secured with headbands.


One man, presumably a church pastor, shouldered a wooden cross with a wheel affixed to the bottom for easy transport. And gave direction to the congregation.


I watched as men and women gathered their small children and straightened their robes, readying themselves for a reenactment of Jesus Christ's walk with his cross through the city of Jerusalem on the way to Golgotha.


I assumed they were members of a congregation that meets just 1/2 mile west of where they stood, and further assumed they would make their way to their church building and there convene for their Sabbath Day services.


I pointed out the scene to my children. I wanted to be sure they saw what was taking place. That they could witness other Christians commemorating the miraculous event that took place nearly 2,000 years ago. That they would see the children with their families, participating in testifying of Jesus Christ.


In my religion, we don't focus on the cross as a symbol of our religion. Instead, we focus on his resurrection and the promise of new life as a result of his atonement and crucifixion- but I couldn't help but feel the spirit of their efforts. I was touched by their desire to declare their devotion to our Lord. I felt their innocent testimonies as followers of Christ and was grateful for the opportunity to add my testimony to theirs as I shared with my children my beliefs of my Savior, Jesus Christ.


I am blessed because he lived. And I am changed because he died.


As I talked with my children about the goodness of these people, I felt the lump in my throat and could not deny that each person who testifies of Christ, in whatever way they deem appropriate, can touch the life of another and that testimony cannot be disputed. My testimony of Jesus Christ was strengthened because of their efforts.


I look forward to attending the Easter Pageant with my family this coming week at the Mesa Temple grounds, where my children can further understand who this man, Jesus Christ, is.

11 comments:

Kellie said...

Nice post, thanks.

Marisa said...

Wonderful!

Heidi said...

You got more out of church just driving there than I did in 3 hours. Way to go!

JohnBierman.NET said...

Thank you for sharing your testimony. It would have been great to witness what you did yesterday, and how you were able to see the meaning and syblance behind something that might have looked a little strange to begin with. You are a wonderful example to me.

cmom said...

Thank you for sharing. It touched me and I needed it today.

The Robinsons said...

loved your testimony during church and reading it again here. You are amazing!

Randibee said...

Wow! That is such a great experience. Thanks for sharing--your testimony always is a source of inspiration to me.

Cynthia said...

I love how you describe this. I've seen so much contention amongst the different sects yet Christ is at the heart of it all for all of us. May they all be blessed for being out there and declaring their devotion in such a public way in a day and age when they were probably ridiculed for it by passing vehicles. Courage and faith are always inspirational. Thanks for sharing this.

Courtney said...

We really are so luck to have the easter pageant so close!

Mechelle said...

ok that's wierd, John must have been signed in on my laptop and I didn't realize it. the comment that says johnbierman, is from me. :)

Dawn and Dave said...

As usual you are amazing with your insight and love for all. Thanks for sharing that wondermous with us.!!