When Hope Feels Distant – Easter Through a Grieving Mother’s Eyes

Few things make you ponder the resurrection like losing a loved one—especially a child. In the weeks leading up to Easter, the talk of celebration and hope can feel heavy when your arms are painfully empty. The weight of grief can make it difficult to rejoice, and the ache of longing can make it hard to embrace the joy of resurrection.

But Easter was made for the weary. It was made for the brokenhearted. It was made for those who long for restoration, for reunion, and for life to be made whole again.

When Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb, she wept (John 20:11). She grieved deeply because she thought all hope was lost. But in that moment, the risen Jesus came to her, called her by name, and revealed the truth—hope was not gone. Hope was alive.

This is the promise of Easter. Because Jesus conquered death, separation is not forever. Because He rose again, so will our precious children. Because He lives, our sorrow is not the end of the story.

“You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” —John 16:20

So, if Easter feels heavy this year, know this: It’s okay to bring your grief to the empty tomb. Jesus meets us there. And because He lives, we have a hope that cannot be shaken—a hope that promises reunion, redemption, and the day when every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

Holding onto hope with you,
Jennie

Jennie is the Executive Director for Hope Mommies. She and her husband Brian live in Oregon and have four children together— Trenton, Paige who has been in Heaven with Jesus since 2010, Mason, and Cora. If you were to knock on her front door today, you’d find her in something comfortable drinking a hot cup of tea, while trying to figure out how to balance all the things that make up a life. She enjoys spending time in God’s word, fresh flowers, board games with her kids, cooking, and evening walks in her neighborhood. She adores being a new creation in Christ and prays she reflects Him well on this earth.