Clarksville, TN – It wasn’t that long ago that I was a divorcee. It was not an easy time in my life by any stretch of even the most twisted imagination. But one thing is for sure; hope was the O2 of every breath I took.
I am remarried now. And I certainly feel blessed, but I have several friends who are “single moms” and they are some of the most beautifully humble, loving and godly people I know. There isn’t a public figure, famous writer, or inspirational speaker that adds more value and light to my life than these women do.
And yesterday, as I was meditating on Easter, these women in my life kept occupying my mind: the sacrifices they make, the love that they give and the selflessness they offer all day, every day.I contacted a few of them, and asked them their thoughts on Easter. It was last minute, so I didn’t expect their world to stop for my last minute inspiration.
In fact, two of them weren’t able to speak with me. One was cleaning houses on a Saturday and another was at soccer with her kids all day. The other two came by to see me (or rather to see my puppies if I am being honest). Here is what they said about Easter:
“My life is not some fairytale nor will it ever be. I am a divorced single mother of two and in the world’s eyes, “washed up”, “used”, or just plainly with too much baggage. But I am a daughter of the most High King. I am a mother who is blessed to have two amazing people to carry on a legacy. I learn perseverance, I learn patience and most importantly I learn love.
I believe in a man, born of a virgin mother, illegitimate child in our Earthly eyes, who loved me and my children (and even you) enough to swallow our sin! I believe that He walks with, speaks with me and leads in me.” –Casey O’Connor
My dear friend Lisa Clark Hunter took some time to be alone yesterday, and found herself resting under a cross and writing for the first time in a very long time. Here are her words:
There it is, that place
The place called the Cross
Where we lay it all down
Our fears, doubts, addictions
Our pain, sorrow and loss
Our heartache and helplessness
Our burden
Our brokenness
Our sins
That place where the Lamb of God gave His life
That place where He gave us hope
Where the ultimate sacrifice was given
The bloodshed that freed us allAnd in return for this sacrifice
We pick it right back up
Where He paid the greatest price
Are we saying He’s not good enough?
All He wants
All He “needs”
Is our trust, our faith
That our God will set us free
Free from the fears, doubts, and addictions
Free from our pain, sorrow, and loss
Free from the heartache and helplessness
Free from our burdens and brokenness
Free from our sins
Free to live. Free to love. Free to worship.
Lisa and Casey shared a little of their lives with us, the brokenness, the loss, and the fear of giving it all to God. But they also share with us the wholeness they experience through Christ, the completeness that can only be found in communion with Him.
Easter, even more so than the New Year, is a time for new beginnings. We often crave a fresh start, but what we are really craving is freedom: freedom to be who God designed us to be, freedom to enjoy the minutes and moments of our lives, and freedom to love without fear and be loved without striving.
I have many godly women in my life, and these women are giants in my eyes. They have received Christ’s love and even though they say that their lives are not perfect, they are constantly chasing God and resting in His glory. Easter is all about accepting that gift. Are you ready?
[Photo and poem courtesy of Lisa Clark Hunter]