Healed by Grace, Lifted by Community: An Easter Reflection

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be living in a small city with my husband, three cats, two dogs, surrounded by community, and running my own personal training business… I would’ve said, “yeah okay.” Honestly, this past year has been one of the hardest and most beautiful seasons of my life. And with Easter here, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to experience new life—not just in the resurrection story we all know, but in the quiet ways God brings us back to life every day.

When we made this move, I had just gotten out of the military. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was carrying a hardened heart. Years of being in “go-mode,” always doing what I had to do to survive, left me emotionally closed off and a little guarded. I wasn’t used to asking for help, let alone receiving it. But God had other plans. He used community to slowly soften me in ways I didn’t expect.

On our very first day in our new home, we hadn’t even unpacked yet, and neighbors were already showing up… bringing us a mattress, towels, chairs, food, and other essentials. Later, families pitched in and gifted us a brand-new washer and dryer. Someone even mowed our lawn before we had a chance to buy a mower. These weren’t just nice gestures, they were powerful reminders that we weren’t alone. That God sees, and He sends.

And it didn’t stop there.

People shared my business posts, checked in with kind messages, offered support, and reminded me we were exactly where we needed to be. I’ve been surrounded by people who believed in me before I even fully believed in myself. People who welcomed me into their gyms, studios, and spaces with open arms and zero hesitation. That kind of generosity and trust isn’t something I take lightly. It changed me.

And then there’s our church family, the people who’ve prayed with us, poured into us, helped strengthen our faith, and reminded us what it means to walk in grace and truth. There are no words for how much that has meant to us in this season. Even the smallest messages, like “I’m praying for you,” have carried so much weight.

Our pets (our little chaos crew of cats and dogs) have brought so much peace, comfort, and joy into our home. They’ve been part of our healing too, in the most unexpected ways.

2024 hasn’t been easy. It’s come with challenges, transitions, and a lot of growth. But in the middle of all that, I’ve felt God restoring pieces of me I didn’t even know were broken. I’ve felt Him soften what had grown hard. I’ve felt Him rebuild my trust in people, in love, and in what’s possible when you’re surrounded by those who care.

Easter reminds us of resurrection, but not just the big, dramatic kind. Sometimes resurrection looks like someone bringing you towels when you don’t have any. Sometimes it looks like grass being cut without you asking. Sometimes it’s the quiet, steady presence of people who don’t have to show up, but choose to.

And today, as we stood in church and sang “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin, felt it deep in my soul. I stood there thinking about how undeserving I’ve felt at times, how guarded my heart had become, and yet here I was… worshiping freely, surrounded by people I love, in a place that feels like home. It was holy. It is holy.

And you know what’s even crazier? Six years ago, on this exact day, on Easter, I met my husband. I had no idea what God was setting into motion that day. No clue how many twists and turns our story would take. But here we are, six years later, standing in worship together, walking in faith, building something that’s bigger than either of us. That kind of timing? That’s not coincidence. That’s God.

And then there's the little reminders He plants along the way. Years ago, one of my closest friends made me a sign that said, “Pray without ceasing.” At the time, I loved it for what it said, but now, it means so much more. That sign now hangs in our kitchen, right in the middle of where life happens… coffee in the morning, dinners at night, little moments in between. It’s become more than just decor, it’s a daily reminder of how far we’ve come. And the most beautiful part? That same friend is now walking her faith journey too, right alongside me. We’re praying, learning, and growing together. I look at that sign now and think, He knew. He always knew.

So this Easter, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. For grace, for healing, for community, for resurrection in all its forms… and for love that continues to grow deeper every single year. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this story. You have no idea how much it means.

Jen