“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:5-6
“It’s not our story to tell.” —Confidentiality training at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
This week we celebrate Easter. The story of the death and resurrection of Christ is the Greatest Story ever told. Over and over we share the joyous news of His triumph over death. In His resurrection, we have the irrefutable proof that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be—God’s son, the Messiah. We celebrate the event in profoundly human ways—with worship, candy, special meals, fancy clothes. At Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch we do a full-on Easter Egg hunt! But the underlying impact and meaning is about hope, an eternal Father who loves us, and mercy. Telling and re-telling the story, over centuries, has ensured each generation has the opportunity to believe.
The children who come to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch have their own stories. When we are orienting new staff, confidentiality is a major focus. We never tell a child’s story in such a way that they can be identified, without their and their guardians' full consent. It isn’t our story to tell. However, many of our children, as they heal and begin to find their way, want to share their own story of triumph. When you read a story about one of our children, and we tell you their name and show their picture, it is because they chose to have it told.
I like to think of each of the children’s stories as a “mini-resurrection” telling. Of course, they aren’t conquering death, like Jesus did. But, with His help and the best of human care, they are conquering darkness. The trauma, pain, and ugliness that surrounded them no longer define them. When they are strong and want to tell their story, they bring hope and inspiration to those around them.
The word “Easter” is credited to many different sources, but most scholars agree it generally means “coming of spring” or “origin” or “beginning.” Jesus’s Easter, with a great big capital “E” is celebrated this week and permeates our beliefs and our prayers and our daily life. It celebrates the beginning of Christianity. The Ranch children have their own easters, with a little “e,” as they begin to know and live as their best selves.
I hope you have a great celebration!
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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