lyrical miracles

spending Easter weekend in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus lived, died, and rose again was a truly amazing experience. I attended two Easter services (one in English and one in Arabic) at the Garden Tomb, the place where Jesus was buried. Besides the World Cup in Germany last summer, the festivities of this week in Jerusalem was the most international event I have ever been a part of. There were people from all over the world who traveled to the Holy Land for this holy celebration. Though many of the people were of different denominations and the city was immersed in excessive fanfare, our reason for celebrating was the same - the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus performed many miracles while on the earth, throughout the land of Israel. Whether you recognize him as a prophet, a teacher, God in flesh, or just a random carpenter, you can't deny that these events were truly miraculous. For those who don't include the New Testament in their Bibles, or who follow a different set of scriptures altogether, such as the Koran or other religious theology, the message that Jesus shared was one of faith, hope, love, and truth. Following is an excerpt from my personal journal, often lyrical in nature, of a reflection on my thoughts during the Holy weekend in the Holy City.

The city is where you find yourself, God, the world, a culmination of all that is truth, a celebration of life. In my life these words reflect my true inner nature. individuality. independence. holiness. purity. beauty. righteousness. truth. fidelity. cleanliness. Godliness. Allah akhbar (God is the greatest). Be honest with yourself. Nurture yourself. Clothe yourself in humility. Bask in the truth. Your soul resonates the holiness within, a reflection of your inner voice. Embrace life. Meet people. Enjoy their company. Share stories to confirm your own beliefs. Never sacrifice your individuality, values, or goals for another person. Live your faith. Embody the Divine. Exceed your earthly limitations. Remember your family, cherish those you hold dear to you. Detatch from drama and frivolity. Be grounded in truth. Re-affirm your foundation. Be captivated by the present. Dismiss the past, but hold on to the memories. Dream for the future but do not make plans, for the future is fleeting. Be here now. Be yourself, the unique individual whom no one else can define.