Maternity + Family, Personal

Easter Hope

April 2nd, 2020

“I’ll forever remember the day. Andrew and I were out for a drive and saw this cross… I was so drawn to it and instantly asked Andrew to turn around. As we walked up, I felt this overwhelming sense of peace.

Throughout the end of my pregnancy I had a lot of people express their concerns; there were even times when their words would sink in and I would get anxious to bring Noah into this world. Each time, I would remind myself that none of this is a surprise to God. Especially the fact that I would have my son during one of the scariest times in history. I chose to override my fear with faith. Every time I thought something negative, I stoped, and replaced it with, “God is keeping us safe, He’s protecting us. Now, quit worrying.”

I meditated deeply on Easter approaching as I sat at there at the foot of the cross. I pictured Jesus up there… dying for all of our sins. While it broke my heart, it also filled my soul with warmth and love. Knowing that God loves us SO much that he sent His only son, so that we could all be saved? wow… what a love. But, I must say, now that I hold my own son in my arms, I just. can’t. imagine. The thought alone breaks my heart and send chills down my spine. That love, His love, the greatest example of what unconditional love is.

The world is scary, yes. Be careful and mindful… but above all, TRUST God to keep you safe. He loves you more than you’ll ever know. He is the only one that can give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. When it doesn’t make sense, in the midst of the storm… peace.

“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10″

I shared this story a few days after bringing home our newborn son. We revisited the cross this fall and, now that he is almost a year old, I reflect on those same thoughts.

The world is still in the midst of a pandemic, things have been uncertain, scary, sad and a tangle of so many other emotions; but, there was one thing I never felt… and that’s alone. He made it known that first day at the cross that my son would be happy and healthy, and truly, that’s all I wanted. As I sat there, this time holding Noah in my arms, I remember exactly what God promised and being thankful that Noah was living that promise.

As I photographed these Easter images a few weeks ago,I couldn’t help but think back on this story again. God’s promise… I am in awe. This boy has brought more joy to our lives than I could possibly express with words, but every parent out there can attest to this special kind of love.

Now that I have had this sweet boy nearly a year, it makes it even harder for me to think about how God gave us Easter… by giving His son. Jesus came here to FEEL what we feel; joy, betrayal, pain, adversity… He wanted to perfectly understand the human race by becoming human himself. What God would do that? One we are blessed to love and serve. He will never stop searching for you, calling your name. Remember, he left the 99 sheep to find the 1 that was lost.

What a beautiful gift Easter is and, I get it, the fun bright colors, egg dying and the easter bunny… its cute to add in. But, please, teach your children the real meaning of Easter and why it should be celebrated with such adoration and appreciation for what Jesus did for us.

Thank you for reading, now enjoy these darling film shots of my sweet babies.
Happy Easter, friends!