holy week.
Last night on Holy Thursday, Jesus spent his last meal with friends that would betray and deny him. He knew the outcome yet he still loved them, broke bread and washed their feet. Let that sink in for a minute.
That same night while he prayed in the garden, he sweat tears of blood, which is a real thing called hematohidrosis that can happen in severe cases of stress. Yet he continued with God's plan. For you. For me. For the promise of heaven. Because he knows us better than anyone and he still loves us so dang much.
"This whole week Satan thinks he's winning. He thinks he's got Jesus in a corner. He thinks he's about to seal the fate of all mankind forever.
He has no idea.
But Jesus does."
Friends, if you've been around for a couple years you know how much I love the reminder: no matter what we're facing, no matter how dark or confusing it feels, no matter how alone we think we are, Sunday's coming. It's been in the plan all along.
and it changes absolutely. everything.
Take courage. Keep the hope. Cling to faith.
(if you're new or want to reread, here's the original “Sunday's coming” post)
Strengthening Faith
A question we were asked in my mom group this week: How can we celebrate Holy Week and Easter beyond dyeing and hunting for eggs and brunching too hard? (okay it wasn't asked in those exact words but you get the gist 😉)
This feels weird to share since I am far from being any kind of expert in faith. Those close to me know this well and especially know my tendency to curse like a sailor (…cuz I was raised a sailor…working on it!).
A faith walk is a very personal journey that's different for everyone and ebbs and flows with life. While it's personal, I don't believe it's meant to be private - God made us for community. He doesn't want us to be alone and He called us to go and make disciples. While many have asked how to work on their faith over the years, I've avoided the question since I don't feel equipped to answer 😂
I'm finally answering as one work in progress to the next.
Here are some resources that have been impactful in my life whether it's to celebrate Easter or strengthen my faith.
App: EasterNow
this free app gives an explanation, map and timeline of what Jesus is experiencing throughout Holy Week. It's humbling to see the events unfold day by day, hour by hour, and truly reminds us of the “reason for the season”.
Watch: The Chosen
This show! I heard about it 10 times before I watched because I thought it'd be another cheesy show to which I can't relate. It's a show about Jesus and the disciples. Before I lose you, it's so well done and brings their characters to life in such a relatable way that even my action/drama-show-loving husband wanted to binge it. It's a little slow at first so give it time, but it's worth the watch!
Listen:
take the 30 day challenge and listen to only Christian radio for 30 days via K-Love Radio or your local Christian station. yes, the announcers can be cheesy.
Bless and move on.
Favorite band? Hillsong United. Yes, their church is a bit of a mess right now but their music is powerful.
Podcasts like:
Jennie Allen's Made for This podcast
Church sermons! Churches across the nation now share their weekly messages via podcasts and I listen to them for a mid-week pick-me-up.
Devotionals:
If reading the Bible feels too dry or intimidating, devotionals are a great segue and guide. Here's how I've progressed with mine over the years:
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
First5 app by Proverbs 31 Ministries
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Cultivate What Matters Write the Word Journals
and now a study bible. that I can't find the link for (super helpful, sorry!).
Imagine Heaven by John Burke (not a devo but a book about near death experiences that describe life in heaven and connect them with scripture. Again, I'm not a theologian, and none of us will know the accuracy of this until we get there, but man this got me fired up and hopeful for the goodness of heaven, as well as giving me new perspective for this temporary life on Earth).
None of these resources are perfect. There are many Christian authors, speakers, “influencers” and churches that can help you strengthen your faith. Remember that at the end of the day, they're humans. They're interpreting the Bible and teachings of God and Jesus. They make mistakes, they misspeak, they may misinterpret, and they have their own personal challenges.
The best thing we can do is to study the actual Word, pray and talk to God, participate regularly in that relationship, and discern the truth for ourselves.
That might sound intense, but it's always better to go straight to the source.
Easier said than done, I know. We're in it together.
Above all I hope these resources help you and your family have a wonderful holiday and maybe take you one step closer in your faith walk.
There are so many powerful tools out there - I'd love to hear about what's helped you. Hit reply and share! Don't be shy :)