The news spread quickly. The Notre Dame Cathedral was in flames.

It was a part of history – and a part of religion. It belonged to all of us. Huge crowds gathered to mourn the loss. They sang hymns and knelt to pray. Tears were shed and memories were shared. Social media was lit up with pictures of many who had visited – and shared photos to prove it.

These words from a news anchor, who had previously visited there, are the words that stuck with me:

I’m not religious … but when I was there…. I felt something.

He had been in a place that was symbolic of the world’s longing for God. It was a quiet place – a place set apart – a place to hear the voice of God. He felt something.

Oh, I know how he may have felt – for I feel something often:

*Growing up as the child of an alcoholic – I felt something.

*When I realized I was a sinner, and gave my heart to God – I felt something.

*As the doctor said, “It’s not good news,” to my younger brother – I felt something.

*As we sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and my mother’s eyes closed in death – I felt something.

*As I led my father to the Lord on his deathbed – I felt something.

*When I didn’t know if my drug addicted child would survive – I felt something.

*As the judge read the verdict and my heart was broken – I felt something.

*As the doctor said, “Cancer,” but God said, “No,” – I felt something.

*When I feel a million miles away from where I need to be – I feel something.

*As a grandmother raising grandchildren – I feel something.

*As I stare in awe at the amazing beauty of the world we live in – I feel something.

*As I worship, pray, and read my Bible – I feel something.

It is a beautiful place to be – where that still small voice speaks to our hearts.

We feel the presence of God – and we know – absolutely know – that God is.

As the thief on the cross said, “Lord, remember me,” he felt something.

As Jesus drew his final breath, and the centurion glorified God, saying, “Certainly, this was a righteous man,” he felt something.

When the women returning to the tomb were told by an angel, “He is not here. He is risen. Remember how He told you?” They felt something.

After Jesus rose from the dead, and appeared to two believers on the road to Emmaus, they said to each other, “Didn’t your heart burn within you, as he talked with us?”

Oh yes, they had the best heartburn ever. They felt something.

The greatest story in history – His Story – was not just for 2000 years ago. It is for us.

We can still feel it. Right here. Right now. In 2019.

Jesus died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again. He is alive. He still speaks.

Do you feel something?

Shh…. Be still. Listen.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or https://www.annfarabee.com