For the last four months Joan McKenzie did not have a voice.
As she arrived for Easter services last Sunday, the always cheerful Joan had to, once again, rely on her husband Jim to talk. We had a brief conversation, and Joan said she had lost her voice only once before, briefly, following illness. This time, there was no explanation, and no end in sight. She told me she was going to see a specialist in 4 weeks, the soonest she could get an appointment.
Then, a little while later, during our 10 am Easter service, something magical happened.
Joan's favorite hymn, 'Jesus Christ is Risen Today' was being sung. So Joan thought she would try to mouth the words. As she started to do this, words started coming out of her mouth. She could sing! After the hymn she declared to her husband, 'I have my voice back!'
Joan can't explain what happened, but is convinced it's God's doing. She told me she believes it's a reminder that God is inside us and wants to come out, and that it's a message to be kind and thoughtful through difficult times because they don't last forever.
As I ponder this blessing, not only am I inspired to thank God for the gift of healing for Joan, but even moreso for her gift of courage through the adversity she exhibited.
Joan's example, like that of many saints, is one of faithfulness in what really matters: her relationship with Jesus and the promises He's made to always care for her.
May Joan's special Easter gift inspire us all to remember that today's troubles are only for today, and that the Risen Christ is with us every step of the way.
