5501 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond VA

Earlier this week, I came across a post from Pastor Jay of Liberation Church.

He simply wrote, “If you’re in the Lynchburg area and need a church this Sunday, join us.”

He mentioned he rarely shares posts like that, and at the time, I admired his willingness to reach beyond his immediate congregation, never imagining that God was setting the stage for me, knowing exactly what I’d need today.

Fast forward to this morning, Resurrection Sunday, when I woke up feeling so ill that attending church in person was impossible.

There I was, seated in my living room, wrapped in Christmas pajamas with tissues close at hand, feeling disappointed at first.

Yet, as I logged onto the online service of Liberation Church, the 104th church on this miraculous journey, I immediately felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle reminder:

“We are the church, wherever we are. Worship isn’t limited by walls or buildings, our God meets us in our homes, in our struggles, even in the quiet solitude of our living rooms.”

From the very first note of worship, I felt something powerful moving within me.

The energy was contagious, even through the screen.

The worship team and choir lifted voices in songs of joyful victory, passionately singing “Jesus Did It All” and “Jesus Is Real.”

As their praises filled my home, my heart soared along with theirs, tears streaming as I lifted my hands, reminded vividly of Christ’s profound love and the freedom He gave us through the cross.

Pastor Ashley shared a deeply heartfelt message, I was reminded that it was love, and only love… that kept Jesus nailed to the cross. It was not the nails, not the soldiers, not even the Roman authority; it was His unfathomable love for us, His commitment to finishing the Father’s divine assignment.

She recounted the humble beginnings of Liberation Church and testified to God’s faithfulness, emphasizing the church’s commitment to serving their community with humility and grace.

Listening to her speak, I knew in my heart that this was exactly where God intended me to be this morning, illness and all.

Then Pastor Jay stepped up, delivering a powerful Resurrection Sunday sermon entitled, “He’s Right in the Middle.”

His words cut straight through the heaviness I’d been carrying, igniting new hope.

He vividly illustrated what that conversation between Jesus and the thief on the cross might have looked like, one thief hardened, one humbled, and Jesus right there in the center of it all. “It’s messy in the middle,” Pastor Jay passionately declared, “but that’s exactly where we find Jesus.” When life gets hardest, when our hearts break, when we feel alone and unsure, that’s when He’s closest.

As Pastor Jay broke down the scripture about the thief on the cross, I received it in a brand new way.

The cross at the center, Jesus positioned between two thieves, is a powerful symbol of how Christ willingly placed Himself right in the messy middle of humanity, bearing the weight of our sins and our brokenness.

He stepped into our pain, into our hardest moments, and He has never left our side.

My heart was overwhelmed by the profound simplicity of this truth: Jesus is with me.

He’s not waiting until I have it all figured out; He’s not keeping His distance because life is difficult or complicated. Instead, He steps directly into the mess, meets me right where I am, and walks with me through every trial.

Today, on Resurrection Sunday, I am thankful beyond words that Jesus chose the cross, that He chose the messy middle for my sake.

I am grateful for Liberation Church and for Pastor Jay and Pastor Ashley, whose powerful words reminded me that Jesus sees me, loves me, and walks beside me, no matter the season, no matter the struggle.

I cannot wait for the opportunity to worship in person with this beautiful church family, to share hugs and smiles and praise our Savior together.

But today, I celebrate the reminder that Jesus is present everywhere, whether in a sanctuary filled with voices lifted high, or in the quiet stillness of my living room.

Lord, thank You for orchestrating this moment, for guiding my steps, and for using even my illness to remind me of Your closeness.

Thank You for the cross, for Your resurrection, for Your presence in every messy, challenging middle of our lives.

May this beautiful journey continue to draw me, and everyone who follows it, closer to Your heart, deeper into Your grace, and further into the wonder of Your boundless love.

In the mighty name of the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.