I believe in Easter,
in the delight of Spring after the dark,
merry blossoms on once barren branches,
the beauty and exuberance of nature
spreading her resplendent colours.
My heart is glad,
and is in God.
I believe in gladness,
in smiles, welcome, and warm embrace,
in sharing, laughing, and working together,
of extending the tables so that queer and straight,
frail and hale, of whatever race, class, or creed,
have a place of joyous,
safe belonging.
I believe in the joy
of helping another and finding help in turn,
of turning from uncertainty and crippling fear
to unconditional aroha and its graces,
repairing and restoring our souls,
rebuilding our brokenness,
resurrecting our hearts.
I believe in the insurrection of Jesus,
words and actions of undying faith,
wrought by ours and many hands,
a tenacious tide of revolution,
building common justice, common good,
bringing hope to those without,
bringing life where it’s in doubt.