The Question of Faith – Easter Sunday

The other day, someone asked me with genuine curiosity, “You really believe all these things?” The way they asked felt both like a question and a quiet declaration of what they had observed. And here’s what I told them:

"Abso-freakin-lutely!".

At 43 years old, it sometimes feels like I’ve lived a hundred lives. Each season of my journey—childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, wifehood, motherhood and womanhood—has been marked by both deep turmoil and the greatest joys imaginable. My time in this body has given me moments where I’ve longed to clock out, yet also countless reasons to stay and figure out how this movie called life ends. Through all of it, there’s been one constant: this profound feeling that surely, all of this cannot be a coincidence! Surely, there is something more.

I could throw out arguments backed by history, literature, or science to definitively prove the existence of a higher power (and trust me, that’s a conversation worth having), but for me, faith is not just an intellectual exercise. I speak from the deep well of personal experience and perspective.

I believe, not just because “faith is confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see,” as mentioned in the big book, but because I’ve met God. Yes, I said it, and I’ll say it again, loudly and boldly: I have met God. I’ve witnessed His goodness—both in my life and in the lives of those around me. I’ve encountered His inexplicable nature and character. I have countless tangible moments of these encounters that make His existence irrefutable to me.

So, to be absolutely clear, I believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, walked this earth, and shared the good news of love and salvation. He was convicted and sentenced to the most horrific death ever known to humankind. He died, and on the third day, He was resurrected. He spent 39 more days among us, and on the 40th day, He ascended to glory. He left behind the Holy Spirit, who I know intimately and see at work in my life every day. The Holy Spirit carries me, laughs with me, disciplines me, comforts me, and encourages me.

This is what I believe. This is what I know. This is my truth. This is the truth.

I’ve spoken with God in the majestic mountains of Northern Ireland, inside a mosque (yes, breathe, Christians…), in dreams, in a taxi with a sangoma (a traditional healer), through the innocent eyes of a kitten, and with my son in quiet moments of prayer. I’ve found Him in places and ways I never expected—sometimes in the quiet, sometimes in the chaos, but always present.

And so today, on Easter Sunday, as I reflect on these moments and this season, I am reminded again of why this day matters so much.

Yes, Easter comes with its fair share of sugar highs, chocolate bunnies, and the endless hunt for perfectly hidden eggs. And yes, I indulged—because, I mean, how could I not? But beyond the festivities, Easter is about something far greater. It’s about the Cross.

For all the sweetness and joy Easter brings, the cross reminds me of the price that was paid for us. That great sacrifice gives meaning to everything we celebrate: the chocolate, the eggs, the bunnies, and the joy of being together. Because, in the end, it’s not just about enjoying a hot cross bun; it’s about remembering the Cross—the very symbol of love that has been extended to us all.

So as this Easter Sunday draws to a close, my prayer is that you’ve not only enjoyed the holiday but also taken a moment to lean in. To lean into the love that was poured out for you and me.

I hope you’ve had a wonderful Easter weekend—one filled with love, laughter, and a little too much chocolate. And if you’re wondering—yes, there were chocolates and bunnies. It’s mandatory, after all… we own a bunny!

So, for Coral’s sake, we had to go all in. Want to see how it all went down? Head over to my Instagram @sanctuary_ekhaya and check out the photos. And if you celebrated too, tag me—I’d love to see your Easter moments!

Peace & love

Dawn