This is My Legacy

Ep. 047 with Julie Craig

In a recent episode of Good Grief Believer, host Julie Craig shares a deeply personal story about her journey through grief and the creation of a statue in memory of her late husband, Dr. Stephen David Craig. This heartfelt episode serves as a reminder of how individuals can channel their pain into meaningful projects that honor their loved ones and provide hope to others.

The Power of Grief

Julie begins her story by reflecting on a common phenomenon: many people find themselves compelled to create something meaningful after experiencing profound loss. This transformation often results in acts of kindness or projects that aim to help others navigate their own grief. Whether through writing, starting memorial gardens, or becoming advocates for mental health, these endeavors can provide a sense of purpose during the healing process.

After completing her Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership, Julie felt uncertain about her direction. However, during a visit with her son and his newborn baby, she sensed a calling to do more than simply focus on her family. She felt the Lord urging her to pursue a greater purpose, which eventually led her to consider starting a podcast. This new venture would allow her to share her experiences and provide comfort to others who are grieving.

A Vision of Hope

One of the pivotal moments in Julie's journey was the vision she received of a statue of Jesus. While attending church, she clearly envisioned this statue in her mind's eye, featuring a specific hymn inscribed on a granite columbarium. The hymn, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," resonated with her, symbolizing compassion and understanding for those who have suffered.

Julie recognized that the cemetery where her husband was buried was quite plain, lacking features that could offer solace to visitors. Driven by her vision, she felt compelled to erect a statue of Jesus, believing it would serve as a beacon of hope for those who came to grieve. Despite her initial lack of knowledge about how to proceed, she took the brave step of contacting the cemetery office for guidance.

The Journey to the Cemetery

Julie shared how her family came to own multiple plots in the cemetery, a decision made years prior during a visit to Steve's family roots in Tennessee. Inspired by the tradition of family cemeteries common in the South, they purchased plots with the intent of designating it as their family burial ground. This connection to family history made the idea of a statue even more meaningful.

As she navigated the process of commissioning the statue, Julie faced challenges in finding a suitable artist and managing costs. She recalled a visit to a sculpture garden in Utah that featured scenes from the life of Christ and sought to find a similar piece. Eventually, she reached out to the talented sculptor, Angela Johnson.

Connecting Through Art

Angela's story is one of resilience and transformation. Originally aspiring to be an opera singer, she found herself on a different path after experiencing her own grief. This led her to discover her gift for creating beautiful sculptures. When Julie and Angela connected, they found common ground in their shared experiences of loss, which made the collaboration even more meaningful.

Angela offered to create a statue of Jesus that would fit Julie's vision perfectly. They decided that this statue would be part of Angela's current installation, representing Christ inviting people toward the tree of life—a powerful metaphor for faith and love in the midst of grief.

The Long Road to Installation

The journey to bring the statue to life was lengthy and intricate. It involved detailed sketches, 3D modeling, and collaboration with various craftsmen. Julie's brother, who worked on large-scale installations, assisted in translating her vision into a tangible design for the cemetery.

As the project progressed, Julie faced the financial reality of commissioning such a significant piece. She decided to use funds that had been set aside for a surgical suite in Steve's dermatology practice, feeling that this decision was deeply meaningful. She believed that the money was better used to honor her husband’s legacy rather than for a business venture.

A Monument of Love

When the statue was finally installed, it stood as a powerful symbol of hope and a testament to Steve's life and values. The inscription on the statue featured the hymn that inspired the project, along with a biblical reference to Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25, KJV). This statue not only honored her husband but also served as a gift for anyone who visited the cemetery to grieve.

Julie emphasized how this project provided her with a renewed sense of purpose and meaning after a devastating loss. It became a tangible expression of her faith and love, reminding her that while grief can be overwhelming, it can also lead to transformative growth.

The Legacy of Grief

In closing, Julie reflected on the profound impact this project had on her life. The statue serves as a reminder of love, faith, and the promise of reunion with loved ones in the afterlife. She expressed gratitude for the life she shared with Steve and the opportunity to connect with others navigating their own grief journeys.

Through her story, Julie hopes to inspire others to find hope and purpose in their own experiences of grief. She believes that while the journey is difficult, it can also lead to deeper connections with loved ones and a greater understanding of the healing power of faith.

By transforming her sorrow into a beautiful tribute, she demonstrates that love continues to guide us even in our darkest moments. The statue of Jesus in the cemetery stands not only as a memorial to her husband but as a source of comfort for all who visit.

As listeners reflect on Julie's experience, they are encouraged to find their own ways to honor their loved ones and navigate the complexities of grief. Through faith, compassion, and community, healing is possible, and hope can emerge from even the deepest sorrow.