Resurrection Sunday is my favorite holiday in the midst of my favorite season, spring.
I do have questions, though: Why does Resurrection Day change from year to year? When did Jesus die, exactly? What does the death certificate say? Did Nelson Funeral Home have the body?
But, seriously, I love the fact that Jesus gave his all so that he could bring us together and not further divided.
Resurrection Sunday feels like a family reunion because you eat well and sometimes you see folks you haven’t seen since last Easter. You see people dressed up like they’re headed to the Met Gala—but, really, they’re just headed to the back pew. That was always my favorite seat.
You see kids smiling, grandmothers hugging, and somebody’s uncle falling asleep halfway through the sermon. It’s beautiful.
Because Resurrection Sunday reminds us of something simple but powerful: Jesus rose, and people came together.
That’s the part we don’t always talk about. The resurrection wasn’t just a miracle. It was a movement. It brought people together. It created community. It gave people hope.
And if we believe in that same resurrection today, then we should probably be living like it. Which means taking care of each other.
That sounds simple. But, in reality, that means justice. Doing right by people. Listening to each other. Treating folks fairly even when we disagree.
Because you can’t celebrate resurrection on Sunday and ignore your neighbor on Monday.
It also means taking care of what we’ve been given: The land. The animals. The community.
And speaking of animals… what in the world is going on with the animal shelter?
Folks are talking. People are upset. People are asking questions. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. Because caring about how we treat animals says something about who we are as a community.
Wild animals. Farm animals. Pets. All of it matters.
Genesis says we were given responsibility over the earth. Not to dominate it, but to care for it. Which also means working for the good of the county. Not just our neighborhood. Not just our town. But the whole county and even the state.
Because when Fairfield County does well, South Carolina does well. And when South Carolina does well, we all benefit.
And here’s something else that always gets me. Fairfield County has a lot of churches. I mean… a lot.
If churches were restaurants, we’d have more options than a food court. So, naturally, you’d think Fairfield County would feel like the most loving place on earth. And don’t get me wrong, there’s love here. But sometimes… we could use a little more. Would you agree?
I feel like churches should be the driving force behind connecting communities. They should be the places where people from Ridgeway, Winnsboro, Jenkinsville, Blair, and everywhere else come together.
They should also serve as moral guides… helping elected officials lead wisely and responsibly. Not politically, but morally.
Because leadership works best when guided by wisdom, compassion, and love, and that’s what Resurrection Sunday reminds us.
Hope. Community. Responsibility. Love.
Also… let’s be honest… if Jesus can rise from the dead… surely we can rise above petty disagreements at the county level. That seems doable.
So as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, let’s ask ourselves: If resurrection brings people together, what would Fairfield County look like if we truly lived like it?
Happy Resurrection celebration everyone!
Kenny Robertson, an educator and comedian, is a native of Ridgeway.