" He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." – Matthew 28:6 (NIV) While walking through the store the other day, a kind lady smiled at my son and asked, “Is the Easter Bunny coming to your house? Is he bringing you lots of candy?” He looked at her, puzzled—just as I did. His confusion came from innocence—he’s only three and we’ve never taught him about a bunny that delivers candy. Mine came from realization. That was the second time in just a few days that someone asked me about a bunny hiding eggs rather than about the Savior who rose from the grave. Now don’t get me wrong—yes, we’ve participated in egg hunts, and yes, my children will receive a little basket after church on Sunday. Growing up, that was part of our tradition: getting dressed up in our best for Easter Sunday, reciting our speeches in front of the congregation, enjoying a family meal (with ham, of course), and then collecting our baskets and finding hidden eggs. Honest...

“We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps” Proverbs 16:9. A few weeks ago, I was supposed to be on a cruise. Not just a vacation—but a reset. A deeply needed pause after pushing through wave after wave of trauma, grief, and responsibility. I had been holding it all: • The weight of work drama • The heaviness of home • The heartbreak of my son moving away • The exhaustion of caring for and then burying my father • The quiet ache of carrying everyone else stuff leaving me to feel as if I were emotionally neglected. I kept saying to myself, “Just make it to the cruise.” Not because of the ocean. Not because of the ship. But because it represented the one thing I had allowed myself to hope for, the mental space that helped me get through. And then…just like that, it was canceled. At first, I felt nothing. Just numb. But then came the frustration. The deep disappointment. The question of why? Not because I needed a luxury escape, but because I needed an emotional exhale. But ...

In times of uncertainty, when our communities face policies that threaten our well-being, advocacy becomes our most powerful tool. Advocacy is not just for politicians, activists, or lawyers—it’s for everyone. It’s how we make our voices heard, hold leaders accountable, and fight for a future that protects and uplifts us all. What is Advocacy? Advocacy is the act of influencing decisions that affect our lives and communities. It can take many forms, from educating others and engaging with elected officials to organizing protests and mobilizing voters. Advocacy ensures that those in power hear the voices of the people they serve. Why Do We Need Advocacy Now? Recent government actions threaten to cut funding for essential programs like healthcare, housing, education, and food assistance. These cuts disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color, exacerbating existing inequalities. Additionally, concerns over unethical government appointments and potential voter supp...