Dear Beloved Readers,
As Resurrection Day (Easter) approaches, I want you to take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of ashes-both spiritually and personally. Throughout history, ashes have been used sacredly, symbolizing humility, repentance, renewal and divine transformation. But beyond their biblical significance, I want you to understand something critical: even your ashes have purpose too! In my book Catharsis, this powerful anthology, Ashes Have Purpose Too reminds us that no matter how life may try to reduce us to dust—through rejection, deception, pain, or failure—God still has a plan for what remains.
The Sacred Use of Ashes
Ashes are not just remnants of what was; they are the foundation of what can be.
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God formed man from the dust of the earth. You were created with purpose, from the very elements of the earth itself.
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During the Lenten season, ashes are symbolically placed upon the foreheads of believers as a reflection and preparation for transformation.
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In moments of grief, ashes are used in mourning and surrender, yet God always provides beauty for those ashes.
But listen carefully, do not allow your personal struggles to become what I call the “Circle of perceived illusion.” This is when life convinces you that because you have been burned, in despair or forgotten, you must remain in a cycle of pain. That is false. Just as Jesus rose from the grave, you too must rise from the would-be devouring ashes left behind by people, life’s trials and circumstances that try to break you.
Step Out of the Circle Before You Fall Down
There’s a childhood nursery rhyme you may know well.
“Ring around the roses, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”
It seems playful, but have you ever thought about its deeper meaning: not all circles were meant for us. When life pulls you into destructive cycles- whether through toxic relationships, societal expectations, past failures or self-doubt, it is not fun at all. Avoid being trapped in the delusive receiving end of non-reciprocated benefits--giving your all and receiving nothing in return. But you must recognize the danger before you actually fall down too. Christ’s resurrection broke the chains of death, we too have the power to step out of the false circles and claim our renewal.
It's Time to Creatively Reinvent Your Ashes!
You are not defined by what you have lost. You are not reduced to the ashes of your past.
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If life has burned you, rise from the embers.
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If people have written you off, rewrite your narrative.
If you have been overlooked, deceived or categorically tarnished, use your ashes as the foundation for a new beginning.
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to celebrate your own resurrection let us take inspiration from Catharsis and refuse to let our past define our future. Step into your purpose, claim your renewal, and remind yourself that your story is not over. Instead of seeing ashes as an end, recognize them as the beginning of something new, something resurrected, something greater than before. Just as Jesus triumphed over the grave, may we too rise from our circumstances, stand in our purpose, and move forward with faith.
Remember it’s time to creatively reinvent your ashes--even your “Ashes Have Purpose Too!”
With love and encouragement,
Dr. Rachelle Stevens