Easter Reflections

Ep. 045 with Daree Blake and Chris Frazier

In this special Easter blog post, I want to share some reflections inspired by a recent episode of the Good Grief Believer podcast, hosted by Chris Frazier and Daree Blake. This episode resonated deeply with me as it explored the profound themes of grief and hope. As a Christian mother who has navigated the complexities of loss, I believe there is immense power in understanding how these themes intertwine, especially during such a significant time of year.

The Paradox of Good Friday

Good Friday—a day that carries a name that feels almost contradictory. How can a day marked by betrayal, suffering, and death be deemed "good"? As I listened to the podcast, I reflected on this very question. Julie Craig, one of the hosts, beautifully articulated that Jesus didn’t come to save Himself; He came to save us. This wasn’t an act of weakness; it was the ultimate demonstration of love.

On that day, Jesus chose to endure unimaginable pain, hanging on the cross for our sins. In that moment, He offered hope not just to those present, but to all of us. The two thieves who hung beside Him represent our choices in life—one rejected Him, while the other received His grace. This choice echoes through our hearts today, reminding us that Good Friday is good because of the love that overcame sin and death.

Navigating Life's Fridays

Each of us experiences our own “Fridays”—those days filled with grief and despair that we often wouldn’t describe as good. In the podcast, Craig shared her personal struggles with loss and how these experiences resonate with the feelings of despair that accompany grief. As I listened, I thought about my own Fridays—the days when the weight of sorrow feels almost unbearable.

Craig emphasized that while we all face these difficult moments, we must cling to hope. Just as the disciples faced uncertainty on that Saturday following Jesus’ crucifixion, we too navigate our own Saturdays of grief. These are the days when we question how life can go on without our loved ones.

The Promise of Resurrection

As we journey through grief, it’s vital to remember that Sunday always comes. The promise of resurrection is not just a future hope; it’s a present reality that can bring comfort in our darkest moments. Craig reflects on the significance of Easter, especially after the loss of her daughter, Emily. Her experience illustrates beautifully how grief can deepen our understanding of resurrection.

In her first Easter without Emily, Craig found herself grappling with the complexities of joy and sorrow. She shared the heartwarming yet heartbreaking moment when her older daughter, Sydney, held Emily’s urn, symbolizing their family’s journey through loss. This moment reminds us that while we mourn, we also hold onto the hope of reunion.

Finding Meaning in Easter Traditions

Easter has transformed for many of us amidst grief. What once felt like a simple celebration now carries profound meaning. As we reflect on the significance of the resurrection, we also recognize the importance of memorializing our loved ones. In the podcast, Craig discusses how her grief has changed her understanding of Easter from mere tradition to a heartfelt acknowledgment of love and loss.

In our family, we strive to incorporate meaningful rituals into our celebrations. One of our cherished traditions is to create tangible reminders of the Savior’s sacrifice. For example, we have a set of eggs that represent different aspects of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection story. Each egg holds a piece of scripture that helps us connect with the true significance of Easter, reminding us that it’s not just about bunnies and candies but about the Savior’s love for us.

The Gift of Authenticity in Grief

One of the most profound messages from the podcast is the importance of authenticity in our grief. Craig and Blake discuss how society often pressures us to “move on” from our losses. However, as Christians, we are reminded that it’s okay to grieve. Even Jesus wept for those who mourned, showing us that sorrow is a natural part of the human experience.

This message resonates deeply with me. I often find myself in internal dialogue, questioning whether I should shield my children from my grief or allow them to see my authentic emotions. It’s crucial to teach them that feeling sad is normal and that it’s okay to express those feelings. By doing so, we equip them with the tools to navigate their own grief in the future.

Teaching Our Children About Grief and Hope

As a mother, I find it essential to educate my children about grief from a place of faith. I want them to understand that while loss is painful, it also brings the promise of hope through our Savior. This Easter, as we gathered as a family, I made it a point to share stories that connect our faith with our experiences of loss.

We talked about how Jesus’ resurrection assures us that our loved ones are not truly gone; they are simply waiting for us in a better place. This perspective brings me comfort and motivates me to live a life that reflects the love and teachings of Christ.

Embracing the Future with Hope

In the podcast, Craig highlights the importance of looking forward with faith. The knowledge that Sunday will come, even in the darkest moments, is a powerful message of hope. As I navigate my own grief journey, I cling to this promise. The assurance that my loved ones are with the Lord gives me strength to face each day, even when the pain feels overwhelming.

I often reflect on the words of C.S. Lewis, who said that our temporal suffering cannot compare to the joy of heaven. This perspective helps me to endure life's challenges, knowing that one day, all will be made right. The hope of resurrection is a guiding light that helps me navigate the complexities of grief.

Conclusion: A Message of Hope for All

As we approach Easter, I encourage you to reflect on the powerful message of love and resurrection. Grief is a journey that we all must face, but it does not have to be a path walked alone. In sharing our stories of loss, we find strength and community in one another.

Let us embrace the hope that comes with Easter, recognizing that our loved ones are always with us in spirit. May we find peace in knowing that, through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life and reunion.

I wish you all a blessed Easter filled with comfort and hope. Remember, it’s okay to grieve, and it’s essential to hold onto the promises of faith. Together, we can navigate this journey, finding light even in the darkest moments.