From my earliest days I loved the notion of God, the story of Easter, and the wonderful related celebrations. Easter was marked by trips downtown, new clothes and shoes, a visit to the Easter Bunny, multiple church ceremonies, and family celebrations. It was always a bright, spiritual, and happy time of year.
Now so many years later from those childhood days, I still look forward to Easter though the celebrations have shifted. I don't belong to a specific church thought I consider myself deeply spiritual. I hold on to many of my religious beliefs from childhood, but have moved away from the male-dominated, restrictive Catholic Church of today. In too many ways, Catholicism has refused to modernize in more inclusive, loving ways. Too often it is Catholic leaders that are restricting people's rights and ability to live fully. I don't believe the Jesus Christ I studied as a young person would agree with that tight, restrictive mindset and action, instead I believe that Jesus Christ would promote a much more welcoming, inclusive, free, and loving community.
As far as the notion of God, I have my own personal definition and beliefs that guide me ahead in life. I deeply believe in a spiritual energy that exists and I also believe there is much we don't know about that. I'm okay with the not knowing as that mystery leads us towards continual discovery and greater understanding. There are truths in every religion as well as untruths. As my dad always said, religion is not perfect since it's human-made, and we humans aren't perfect either.
So this Easter, I hope to bring a spirit of warmth, love, humanity and goodness as I celebrate with family and friends. We'll share good food and stories, and engage in some laughter and shared activities. It's a wonderful time and way to welcome spring and strengthen our resolve for the good we want to do in the days ahead. Onward.