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BY BILL BROWN

Think for a moment, just for a moment. What is your favorite scripture? You could probably name a few; Philippians 4:13, Micah 6:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Isaiah 6:8. A number of these passages are my favorite and I could most likely name a few more.

Yet, in addition to a favorite passage, I also have a favorite word from Scripture. And that word is "through."

I am particularly drawn to the word as in appears in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me."

I like the word, "through", because it reminds me that the dark valley is not the end point for me. The passage doesn’t say, "Even though I live in the darkest valley…" or Even though I stop in the darkest valley…" or "Even though I am stuck in the darkest valley." No, this passage reminds me that the dark valley is not my destination, that whatever it is I am facing, I will get through it because God is with me.

Several figures from biblical history have found themselves in the valley: Moses found himself in the valley of having to deliver God’s message to a Pharaoh who didn’t want to listen; David, during his fugitive years, found himself in the valley of running from King Saul. Jesus entered the valley the last week of his life; shouts of "Hosanna" became shouts of "Crucify Him". He was betrayed, falsely accused, denied and eventually killed.

Jesus knew that he had to walk through the valley of death, the valley we remember during Holy Week, the valley of the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross of Golgotha.

Yet Jesus was not left in the valley, he journeyed through the valley to come out on the other side. We remember this part of his journey on Easter, as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.

We recall Mary coming to the garden and encountering the Risen Christ. We remember Peter and the Beloved disciple racing to the tomb only to find neatly folded grave clothes. Jesus’ resurrection is more than a historical event. Yes, Jesus was resurrected more than 2,000 years ago, but I believe we experience resurrections here and now.

The addict who begins recovery, resurrection; the wife who leaves an abusive relationship, resurrection; the homeless who receive dignified housing, resurrection. In grand ways and in simple ways resurrection is occurring all around us.

I believe, as people of the resurrected Christ, we are called to aid in this resurrection. We are called to walk with those who are experiencing a dark valley, until they are on the other side.

The Rev. Bill Brown is Senior Pastor of Wesley Freedom UMC in Eldersburg.