I was asked a few weeks ago to submit this article in place of someone else who was originally set to submit an article for this week. That “someone” was Kathy O’Donnell, who has won the victory over death. I’m sure many of you read her name and an immediate picture of her wonderful, never-fading smile came to your mind. Even a battle with cancer could not dampen her spirit, nor could it keep her from serving God with everything she could muster.

We’re just a little over a week from celebrating Easter, and given the opportunity to write an article in Kathy’s place, I felt that a celebration of the “saints that have gone before us” is in order. We are always sad when we lose a friend or family member from this life. We know we will miss them – for a time. But Easter is at the very center of our faith – the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. That paved the way for Kathy as it does for all believers. The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the Corinthians, “…Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corin. 15:20)

Christ conquered death! He was the first and established the path to eternity for all who believe in Him. In his Gospel, John reminds us that, “…to all who receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12) Believe and receive! Sounds too simple, doesn’t it? But believing in Jesus Christ as the resurrected Son of God and receiving the power of the Holy Spirit is a life-changing event. Anyone who knew Kathy O’Donnell saw the effect of that in how she lived her life.

Paul knew there would be those who would question the resurrection of Christ. He said unequivocally, that if the resurrection of Christ were untrue, his preaching would be in vain. So why did he continue to preach Christ crucified and raised from the dead until he was put to death himself? Because he knew the truth of the resurrection of Christ. I’m sure Paul knew that some people from his time forward would question the truth of the resurrection. If you, reading this today, are one who questions, you’re in luck. Go see the movie recently released called “The Case for Christ.”

Lee Strobel, the author of the book the movie is based on, has done all the legwork for you. Lee, an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, was a self-proclaimed atheist who set out to disprove the resurrection. He travelled hundreds of miles to interview leading authorities on history, medicine, theology – anyone with any knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The end result…Strobel converted himself to Christianity.

Kathy O’Donnell is one of those saints in heaven now cheering the rest of us on. I am privileged to share on her behalf, not only this article, but also the faith that she vibrantly displayed.