April traditionally arrives with images of rebirth — an empty tomb, the sight of unfolding lilies, reading familiar words of promise. The vision of hope springs up, bringing encouragement to our weary souls.
This year between frantic breaking news, waving arms and heated opinions, it’s hard to recover from sheer exhaustion. This Easter we need more hope, more clarity, more love, more of God.
It’s time for a reset. Let’s explore the word “follower” from different perspectives. Let’s remember how to recognize a Christian’s words and spirit. Let’s ask questions that help connect the dots.
Phawnda Moore
In her poem Sometimes, Mary Oliver gave this advice:
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
Oliver wasn’t particularly religious, but she was aware that heaven existed on earth to quiet her questions and give her joy and peace. And she knew God was related in some way to each of the three instructions in her poem. In a spirit of grace and wonder, her work was to see connection and find meaning in life. She left us knowing the image of God was inside her heart.
Finding metanoia
I thought of her poem recently when organizing files and I pulled out a page with the word metanoia on it. Who knows why I saved it, but Greek words often resonate with me, so I paid attention. A few years ago in my lettering book, I wished readers meraki — to do something with soul, creativity and love. I liked that a single word, unfamiliar to most, expressed my thoughts.
Metanoia (“meh-ta-noy-ah”) is a Greek word that describes a philosophical journey that leads to spiritual conversion. The New Testament, written in Greek, clarifies that it’s not just changing our mind that matters; conversion leads to changing our hearts.
The ongoing transformation is evident in words and actions. Through metanoia, we gain a greater understanding of God’s love and vision.
With so many abrupt cultural shifts, though, a desire for deeper knowledge can lead us astray. Enter the self-described leaders (social media influencers) with an impressive Christian following who are “deconstructing” faith for us. Maybe we got it wrong. Or maybe we need to ask more questions.
Fruit of the Spirit
Like, does character define a Christian? Carey Nieuwhof, a Canadian leadership author, speaker, podcaster and former attorney best known for his work with Connexus Church, defines the fruits of the Spirit with a familiar Scripture of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” found in Galatians 5:22-23.
As he points out, there are lives not led by the Spirit of God: “For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man,” according to Mark 7:21-23.
We see that some religious and political groups have grown louder in their “Christian” beliefs. They are not accountable or humble. They appear on our screens delivering hateful threats and defiantly outline their agendas. They often have items for sale. They hold up Bibles, wave flags and wear crosses for authority. The power of images at work.
Pay attention.
‘You can’t steal my joy’
In fall 2024, Carey Nieuwhof spoke with Sharon McMahon, calling her “a bright light who brings harmony and hope in a very divided time to “The Exhausted Majority.”
McMahon is a former American teacher in government and law in public schools in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.
“I refuse to let you steal the joy from my important work.”
Clarifying good vs evil, she deconstructs the power of the internet, where money and followers define one’s worth. Those who desperately need to belong at any cost are very easily manipulated in matters of truth, history, faith and wisdom.
McMahon has found the news, and the deciphering of it, extremely time-consuming and physically draining. But she, like Mary Oliver, has work to do. Good stuff.
During difficult times, she posts these words on the mirror: “If they can’t keep you from doing it, they will try to keep you from enjoying it, and if you stop enjoying it, you will want to give up.” Repeat: “I refuse to let you steal the joy from my important work.”
Be astonished.
Trade the energy wasted on the news; it results in making you feel powerless. What value is that to God? To anyone? Faith calls us to live what we believe, to action. Ask those who marched on April 5 to save their democracy (also a Greek word). “A true patriot is honest. A true patriot wants America to be its best.” —Sharon McMahon.
McMahon continues: “Focus on doing for one person what we wish we could do for everybody.” We can’t grow weary in doing good.
Humility
A heart transformed by metanoia will be characterized by a love for God and neighbor, a desire to do good and a willingness to follow Christ’s teachings.
Oliver, Nieuwhof and McMahon also share the godly trait of humility, a willingness to learn something from everyone. They share their unique journeys and bless others.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Tell about it.
Learn more about what you can do with inspiration in Sharon’s book, “a love song to the little guy” who feels small and powerless. She says it’s a lie that we don’t matter, sharing the lives of 12 unsung heroes who demonstrate the opposite.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Begin with one thing.
5 ways to practice metanoia
Self-reflection: Journal your thoughts, words and actions, and identify areas where you can improve.
Prayer: Engage in regular prayer, seeking God’s guidance and forgiveness and asking for the strength to make necessary changes.
Fasting: Refrain from certain activities or possessions, not just food, but also free up time away from the news. Instead, choose resources for spiritual growth to cultivate a greater dependence on God.
Philanthropy: Practice generosity and compassion, both materially and emotionally, to reflect the love and mercy of God.
From our home to yours: May your Easter celebration be filled with joy and hope.
Phawnda Moore is a Northern California artist and award-winning author of Lettering from A to Z: 12 Styles & Awesome Projects for a Creative Life. In living a creative life, she shares spiritual insights from traveling, gardening and cooking. Find her on Facebook at Calligraphy & Design by Phawnda and Instagram at phawnda.moore