EDITOR:

True story — years ago in a Massachusetts apartment complex lived a tomcat named Ugly — because he had one only one eye, a crooked gait, mange for fur and was, well, ugly. The adults would chase him away, shut doors on him, hose him down and throw things at him. The kids liked him and fed him. (Note how the children responded.) Kids treated Ugly well and when they picked him up, he would cuddle up and purr. He always tried to suckle on their ears or shirts. One day, the friendly Ugly ran into a pack of a neighbor’s huskies. They ruthlessly mangled him. (Now I enter the story.) “I heard his screams and raced out to him. I picked him up sensing his pain. He began purring and even suckling on my collar, not wrestling to get away. He was seeking some love and affection, never once scratching me. Nearing death, he trusted totally. At that moment I thought Ugly to be the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Many people want to popular, successful, beautiful or rich; as for me, I will always try to be, well, just “ugly.”

At death, Ugly trusted and forgave. Ugly died, but at Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the God-man who died for us by choice. Unlike Ugly (I believe animals to be in heaven.), Jesus was miraculously raised from the grave. Biblical and secular scholars have verified His death and resurrection. His resurrection gave the disciples power to radically turn this world upside down, and most were soon martyred. No other religion has a living god. Over 500 witnesses for many weeks before He ascended to heaven interacted with Him. He then chose then to tell believers He would send His spirit to guide them. He wanted believers to know that His spirit now would inhabit them. Christians will face persecution, trials and attacks.

But we hang onto what we know is real, earthly guidance now and a huge reward later–Heaven. I can’t wait- — but we have much work to do — though often labeled “hypocrites”, as if doubters aren’t. Jesus is alive and “in” His disciples. Christianity is really not a religion, but a relationship, one obtained by faith. We are honored to believe, trust and imitate Jesus and Ugly who in death forgave. We all crucified Jesus, but He forgave, saying, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” We also gotta be humble, admitting our sin and inability to earn any salvation. That’s hard for us, accepting God’s forgiveness and receiving His grace that we do not deserve. No self-effort or sacrificial steps save us.

We are all ugly beings that suffer and struggle. We need humility realizing we cannot make it ourselves. Biblical faith is “having the confident assurance that something great is going to happen.” April 1st this year is no joke, but resurrection fact. Happy Easter all!

Mike Olson

Ford River, Escanaba