The Sound of Silence

empty tomb Do you love the sound of silence? I do. I adore moments of eclipse, when life slows, and it feels like someone has hit the pause button.

This week, our family is celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary and the baptism of our first two children, Olivia (12) and Zach (11). With an Easter Egg Hunt our little Samuel (3) can truly appreciate just around the bend, it’s going to be so fun. Shane and I are headed to our family ranch to tromp the woods a little, and we are planning for hot dogs and s’mores to celebrate the kids’ decision to follow Christ when we get back. As much as I can, I’m going to press the pause button so I can take it all in.

Easter weekend is the celebration of a moment when God pressed pause.

Jesus died on the cross: Pause. Think about what that means for you personally. Does it mean forgiveness? Reconciliation? A relationship with your heavenly Father as you receive the most precious gift of His Son?

Jesus was buried in the tomb: Pause. As far as the disciples knew, his earthly ministry came to a screeching halt, when in fact it was just beginning.

Mary ran to the tomb weeping: Pause. What heart wrenching despair she must have felt, to have found the one her soul loved, and lost him.

He appeared to her. “Mary!” he said, and she heard his voice. “Rabonni!” she cried, “Teacher!” Pause. What will it be like to see him face to face again some day, our Lord who loved so much he sacrificed his very self on our behalf? Our Lord who showed us through his life what love really is.

It’s Easter. Press pause. Listen for him in the silence of the tomb. Search for him in the garden. His words may pierce the sound of silence, and change you forever.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Happy Easter!

April 16, 2014

Author: Jennifer

Categories: Faith, Forgiveness, The Power of Gratitude, Transformation

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About the Author: Jennifer

Jennifer Strickland is a wife, mom, TEDx speaker, and former professional model. She is the author of Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, and Beautiful Lies, among other books and Bible studies that teach women their worth in God’s eyes. Since leaving the modeling industry, she founded URMore.org, a non-profit ministry that provides resources to hurting women and girls. Her favorite moments are found working on the family ranch with her husband, who she calls “the Cowboy”; in her kitchen, concocting a new version of her famous spaghetti; or spending time with their three precious children.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

At the age of 18, I was recovering from an eating disorder, cutting, and suicide when I read Jennifer Strickland’s book Girl Perfect and it changed my life. At the age of 33, as I travel the world reaching youth for the gospel, this is the only book I recommend to girls who are struggling. The Lord has truly anointed Jennifer’s words through her story, not only to address the struggles of today’s generation of girls, but also to walk them through the healing necessary for victory.

Christina Boudreau

Jennifer is a captivating speaker. She keeps the listener hanging in wonder of what’s coming next! Her presentation is not only absorbing, it reveals the truth of God’s power to heal a wounded spirit.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, Former Stonecroft Ministries Regional Representative, San Diego, CA

“The ‘P’ word [perfection] may be the heaviest burden women bear. All the misguided things we do to attain it can keep us away from what we need most – the unconditional love of God the Father. The Girl Perfect Study Guide gives you a map to the wholeness you were created for.”

Nancy Ortberg

Nancy Ortberg, author and former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church

“The Girl Perfect Study Guide shatters the lies girls and women believe and points to the ultimate truth, which really does set us free. I am confident that this study will help thousands discover a beauty, purpose, and worth that truly lasts. Thank you Jen for exposing the ‘perfect life’ and inviting girls to experience God’s ‘perfect love.'”

Allie Marie Smith

Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made

One of the best testaments to what Jennifer is doing for the young girls and women of today is a comment from my eleven-year-old granddaughter: “Grammy, I want to read this book and hear her again. She’s good and I learned a lot.” This is exactly what I experienced from a grown-up perspective when I was introduced to Jennifer Strickland’s amazing story. Read it and see if you don’t get the real story from an icon model and a powerful speaker of truth.”