Feel All the Feels (even the uncomfortable ones)
This Resurrection Sunday invites us, and urges us to celebrate and rejoice. In the words of the 90s cartoon The Ren & Stimpy Show, Happy Happy Joy Joy right? Not so fast. Those who have been following closely are keenly aware that, though the calendar says it is time to celebrate, we are at the culmination of a week filled with profound and often uncomfortable emotions. Throughout Holy Week, we have walked alongside Jesus on his path to the cross, witnessing as he endured the spectrum of human experiences.
Consider the emotional landscape: hope emerges as Jesus enters Jerusalem, with people yearning for salvation and liberation from oppressive systems. Righteous anger flares when Jesus confronts those exploiting others in the temple. We observe Jesus overwhelmed in Gethsemane, anticipating his suffering. The disciples experience grief watching their teacher endure mockery, torture, and crucifixion. Finally, there is confusion and wonder at the empty tomb and the joy of those who encounter the risen Christ.
The good news is that Jesus understands every emotion we experience. This liberates us from pretending to be fine when we're not. We're invited to authentically express ourselves. We don’t have to fake it ‘til we make it or wear the mask of I’m okay or I’m happy when the truth is, we feel like we are swimming against the tide in the middle of a hurricane. We can (and are encouraged) to acknowledge our sadness, anger, frustration, or disappointment without pressure to maintain appearances. Even when we cannot share these feelings with others, we can be honest with ourselves, and take the time to discern what our emotions might be trying to teach us.
Additionally, as we experience various emotions, we can remain confident that we are never alone. That is especially comforting right now! Socio-political, familial, and interpersonal events might have us feeling like we are on an emotional roller coaster all alone, but that is not so. In the peaks and valleys, twists and turns, the Spirit remains with us, offering comfort and strength, especially during distress. We can also find support in community; healthy relationships help to ground us during uncertain times. Most, if not all of us, have the testimony that a sibling has offered us shoulders on which we have cried, they’ve lifted our spirit. someone has propped us up when we are leaning or snatched us back from the brink of despair. Someone can attest that a loved one literally saved their life.
In a world filled with turmoil, many might struggle to rejoice today. The bad news that is bombarding us all might make it hard to see and hear the good news. This makes intentional celebration all the more crucial not just on Resurrection Sunday but in the days ahead. Despite the chaos that threatens to overwhelm us, Resurrection reminds us that evil, however powerful it may appear, does not have the final word. We may experience a variety of emotions before we get to it, but JOY IS COMING!
May we honor our full emotional reality while making special space for the joy Resurrection offers us!
Rev. Dr. Tamika A Holder
Rev. Dr. Tamika A. Holder is a called, gifted, and equipped minister of the gospel. Rooted in the strong foundation of faith, she has dedicated her life to nurturing others' knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Dr. Holder's academic journey reflects her commitment to both spiritual leadership and public service. After earning her BS in Public Health from Temple University, she pursued her divine calling by completing a Master of Divinity at Palmer Theological Seminary. She was licensed to preach the Gospel in 2008 and ordained to Christian Ministry in March 2014. Her educational path culminated with a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary.
A purpose-driven leader and experienced facilitator, Rev. Dr. Holder has served in various ministerial capacities, including as Minister to Youth and Young Adults and as Interim Minister. Her passion lies in creating a world where all people are loved, accepted, and have what they need to thrive.
When not engaged in ministry, Dr. Holder enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time on the Schuylkill River Trail.