Teaching Children the True Meaning of Easter | Christian Family Guide

Why It Is Important to Teach Children the True Meaning of Easter

Every spring, stores fill with pastel decorations, chocolate bunnies, and colorful eggs. Children look forward to egg hunts, baskets of candy, and festive family celebrations. While these traditions can be fun, they can also unintentionally overshadow the most important truth about Easter.

For Christian families, Easter is not primarily about candy or decorations. Easter is about the greatest event in human history — the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Helping children understand this truth is one of the most meaningful spiritual conversations parents and teachers can have.

Children Naturally Ask Questions About Easter

Young children are curious. When they see crosses, empty tomb illustrations, or hear the word resurrection, they often have questions like:

• Why did Jesus die?

• Why was there a tomb?

• How did Jesus come back to life?

• Why is Easter such a big celebration?

These questions create powerful opportunities for parents and teachers to explain the gospel in simple, age-appropriate ways.

Children do not need complicated theology. They need clear truths they can understand.

For example:

• Jesus loves us.

• Jesus died for our sins.

• Jesus rose again.

• Because Jesus lives, we can have new life.

These simple ideas form the foundation of a child’s understanding of the Christian faith.

The Resurrection Is the Heart of the Christian Faith

The resurrection of Jesus is not just one event among many in the Bible. It is the very center of the Christian message.

The angel at the tomb proclaimed the good news:

“He is not here; He has risen.” — Matthew 28:6

Without the resurrection, the story of the cross would end in tragedy. But because Jesus rose from the dead, the cross becomes a story of victory, forgiveness, and hope.

When children learn that Jesus is alive, they begin to see that Christianity is not just a story from long ago. It is the story of a living Savior who still loves them today.

Teaching Easter Shapes a Child’s Faith

Children often remember spiritual lessons that are connected to meaningful moments. Easter provides a perfect opportunity to help children build those lasting memories.

Through Bible stories, discussion, drawing, and reflection, children can begin to understand truths such as:

• God loves the world.

• Jesus willingly died for our sins.

• The tomb was empty.

• Jesus defeated death.

• We celebrate Easter because Jesus is alive.

When these truths are repeated and reinforced, they become part of a child’s spiritual foundation.

Teaching Kids the True Meaning of Easter | Christian Easter Guide for Families

Faith Conversations Matter in Early Childhood

Research and experience both show that the early years are incredibly important for spiritual development. Children in elementary school are forming their understanding of God, faith, and the Bible.

When adults take time to talk about the meaning of Easter, they are doing more than teaching a lesson. They are helping children develop a worldview centered on Christ.

These conversations can happen in many places:

• around the kitchen table

• during homeschool lessons

• in Sunday school classrooms

• during family devotions

• at Christian schools

Wherever they happen, these moments matter.

Keeping Christ at the Center of Easter

There is nothing wrong with enjoying family traditions like egg hunts or festive meals. But Christian parents and teachers can help ensure that those traditions do not replace the true focus of the holiday.

One helpful approach is to intentionally include activities that point children back to the resurrection story.

Examples include:

• reading the Easter story from the Bible

• memorizing a resurrection verse

• discussing why the tomb was empty

• reflecting on what Jesus did for us

• creating drawings or journaling responses about Easter

These activities help children connect celebration with the deeper truth behind it.

The Good News of Easter

Easter is often called “good news.” But why?

Because the resurrection means:

• Sin has been defeated.

• Death has been defeated.

• Jesus is alive.

• We can have forgiveness and new life through Him.

When children understand this message, Easter becomes much more than a holiday. It becomes a celebration of hope.

A Simple Way to Teach the Easter Story

To help parents, homeschool families, and teachers guide children through these truths, I've created a Christian Easter lesson packet for Grades K–3 that walks through the story step-by-step.

Christian Easter Lesson Packet for Kids | Easter Story and Bible Activities for Grades K–3

The packet includes:

• a cover page

• a simple Easter story reading page

• a memory verse tracing activity

• comprehension and reflection pages

• a drawing response page

• a resurrection coloring page

These pages help children interact with the Easter message in ways that are engaging and age-appropriate.

You can explore the printable lesson packet here:

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Teaching Kids the True Meaning of Easter | Christian Resurrection Lesson for Families

Fun & Educational Kindergarten Easter Worksheets: Math, Literacy, and Creative Writing Pack!

Kindergarten Easter Worksheets Bundle

Fun & Educational Kindergarten Easter Worksheets: Math, Literacy, and Creative Writing Pack!

Spring is almost here, and Easter is just around the corner! I know that keeping young learners focused during holiday seasons can be a challenge. That’s why I am happy to announce my Easter-Themed Kindergarten Activity Pack!

This collection of educational worksheets is designed to harness all that holiday enthusiasm and turn it into meaningful learning moments. If you are looking for engaging kindergarten Easter activities that require zero prep, I have something just for you.

Why Holiday Learning Matters for Little Minds

Using seasonal themes, like Easter bunnies and decorated eggs, isn't just about fun. It's a great tool for engagement. When children see familiar images on their worksheets, their intrinsic motivation increases, making them more receptive to learning new skills and reinforcing foundational ones.

Here is why this specific Easter packet will benefit your child:

• Boosts Fine Motor Development: Between coloring within the lines, practicing handwriting, and cutting out the rhyming eggs, children are strengthening the small hand muscles crucial for writing and everyday dexterity.

• Develops Critical Phonics Skills: Matching rhyming words (like cat and hat) is essential for reading readiness. My interactive egg-matching activity helps build phonemic awareness in a hands-on way.

• Builds Strong Number Sense: Through beautifully illustrated counting and addition worksheets, kids practice one-to-one correspondence and gain confidence in basic math operations (sums up to 10).

• Inspires Creative Expression: Early narrative writing can be intimidating. My "My Easter Story Adventure" prompts scaffold the process by giving them a fun scenario and space to draw before they write, allowing their imaginations to soar.

• Improves Confidence and Independence: These sheets are designed with clear instructions and friendly graphics, allowing many children to work through them independently once shown how. This builds a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Kindergarten Easter Worksheets Bundle

A Sneak Peek Inside the Packet

We’ve packed this bundle with a variety of activities to target essential kindergarten curriculum standards:

1. "My Easter Story Adventure" Narrative Prompts

I have included five different story starters featuring the Easter Bunny on adventures—from finding glowing eggs to discovering a secret map! Students read the prompt, use the dedicated box to "First, draw your story picture here," and then use the primary writing lines to "Next, tell us what happened." This is fantastic practice for sequencing and early storytelling.

2. Egg-cellent Math Practice

Mathematics becomes a springtime game with these sheets. Included are:

• Count & Match: Kids count sweet items like chicks and jelly beans and draw lines to match the numbers.

• Easter Addition: Simple, visual addition equations using Easter eggs, baskets, and bunnies to help visualize sums up to 10.

3. Rhyming Egg Matching Activity

Phonics meets puzzle time! This interactive sheet encourages kids to color nine patterned eggs, cut them in half (or parents can do this beforehand), and then match the top half of each egg to its rhyming bottom half (e.g., pup/cup, red/bed, tall/fall). It's a perfect literacy center activity.

4. Festive Coloring Pages

Keep those fine motor skills sharp during quiet time with our bold-lined coloring sheets. Children can color classic designs like decorated eggs, a friendly bunny, and even a bunny driving a spring tractor! These are great for improving concentration and artistic expression.

Perfect for Teachers, Homeschoolers, and Parents

This no-prep PDF is designed for ultimate versatility. Here are just a few ways you can use this packet this April:

• April Morning Work: Set these out to settle students quickly as they arrive in the morning.

• Independent Literacy & Math Centers: Laminate the rhyming eggs and counting pages for durable, reusable station activities.

• Quiet Time or Rainy Day Fun: Keep one printed and ready to go for when you need a moment of quiet focus.

• Easter Table Activities: Print a set for the kids' table at your Easter gathering to keep little hands occupied before dinner.

Ready to Hop Into Learning?

Don't let the holiday season derail your learning goals. Embrace the season with activities your kids will actually love!

Easter Themed Kindergarten Activity Pack

You can find the Kindergarten Easter-Themed Activity Pack available for instant download in our store now.

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Kindergarten Easter Worksheets Bundle

We wish you and your little ones a happy, hopping, and very educational Easter season!

“Follow Your Heart” Is Not Biblical: What Scripture Really Teaches About the Human Heart

Follow Your Heart?  Think Again!

“Follow Your Heart” Is Not Biblical: What Scripture Really Teaches About the Human Heart

The phrase “follow your heart” is one of the most beloved and repeated pieces of advice in modern culture. It appears in movies, children’s books, motivational speeches, and social media captions. It sounds comforting, empowering, and deeply personal. But when we examine this phrase through the lens of Scripture, we discover a sobering truth: “follow your heart” is not a biblical command. In fact, the Bible repeatedly warns us not to trust our hearts as the ultimate guide for life.

For Christian families seeking to raise children grounded in truth and for believers striving to walk faithfully with the Lord, it is essential to understand what God’s Word actually says about the human heart.

What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?

The modern world portrays the heart as a reliable moral compass. Scripture, however, gives a very different diagnosis of the human condition.

The Heart Is Naturally Deceptive

One of the clearest biblical statements about the human heart is found in:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” — Jeremiah 17:9

This verse directly contradicts the cultural message to trust our feelings and instincts above all else. The Bible teaches that because of sin, our hearts are not naturally pure guides. They are influenced by selfish desires, fears, pride, and emotions that can lead us away from God’s will.

If our hearts are deceitful, then “following our heart” without discernment can easily result in choices that feel right but are spiritually harmful.

Feelings Are Not a Reliable Authority

In a feelings-driven culture, emotions are often treated as the ultimate truth. Yet Scripture consistently elevates God’s Word above our emotions.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

Notice the contrast: we are not instructed to follow our own understanding or feelings. Instead, we are commanded to trust the Lord. This means our decision-making should be grounded in God’s truth rather than our shifting emotions.

Feelings change. God’s Word does not.

Jesus Exposed the True Source of Sin

Jesus Himself addressed the issue of the human heart. Rather than presenting the heart as inherently good, He revealed that sinful behavior originates within it.

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts… pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” — Mark 7:21–23

This teaching dismantles the popular belief that we simply need to “listen to our hearts” to find truth. According to Jesus, our hearts can produce sinful thoughts and misguided desires. Without the transforming work of Christ, the heart is not trustworthy.

Why the Phrase “Follow Your Heart” Is Spiritually Dangerous

1. It Places Self Above God

“Follow your heart” encourages self-rule instead of God-rule. It subtly promotes the idea that personal desire should guide life decisions, even above Scripture. Yet biblical discipleship calls us to submit our hearts to God, not elevate them above Him.

2. It Confuses Desire With Direction

Just because we want something does not mean God wills it. Our desires must be tested against Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel.

What does the Bible teach about the human heart?

3. It Leads to Relativism

If everyone follows their own heart, truth becomes subjective. One person’s “truth” contradicts another’s. The Bible, however, establishes an objective moral standard rooted in God’s character.

4. It Minimizes the Reality of Sin

The phrase assumes the heart is inherently good. Scripture teaches the opposite: we need redemption, renewal, and transformation through Christ.

The Biblical Alternative: Follow the Lord, Not Your Heart

While Scripture warns against blindly trusting the heart, it does not leave believers without guidance. Instead of following our hearts, we are called to follow the Lord.

Be Led by God’s Word

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11

God’s Word reshapes our desires and renews our thinking. When Scripture fills our hearts, our decisions become aligned with God’s truth rather than personal impulses.

Walk by the Spirit

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

The Holy Spirit leads believers in wisdom and truth. Following the Spirit is very different from following feelings. The Spirit guides according to God’s will, not our emotions.

Seek God’s Direction First

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:6

The biblical model is clear: acknowledge God first, and He directs our path. Direction comes from surrender, not self-guidance.

God Promises a New Heart

The Bible does not leave us hopeless about the condition of our hearts. Through salvation in Christ, God promises transformation.

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” — Ezekiel 36:26

This promise reveals the true solution. We do not simply learn to trust our natural hearts—we receive a new heart through Christ. As believers grow in faith, their desires increasingly align with God’s will.

This is why mature Christians do not follow their hearts blindly. Instead, they submit their hearts to Scripture, allowing God to shape their desires over time.

Teaching Children a Biblical Perspective on the Heart

For families and homeschool parents committed to raising children in truth, addressing this cultural phrase is especially important. Children are constantly exposed to messages that glorify feelings and self-direction. They must learn early that:

• Feelings are real but not always right.

• God’s Word is the ultimate authority.

• True wisdom comes from seeking the Lord in every decision.

Rather than teaching children to “follow their heart,” we should teach them to follow Jesus, trust Scripture, and pray for guidance.

When Can We Trust Our Hearts?

Some may ask: if the heart is deceitful, can we ever trust it? The biblical answer is nuanced. We cannot trust our natural hearts, but we can trust hearts that are submitted to God and shaped by His Word.

A heart surrendered to Christ becomes increasingly aligned with God’s desires. Over time, as believers grow in spiritual maturity, their desires more consistently reflect God’s will. Even then, Scripture—not feelings—remains the final authority.

A Better Phrase Than “Follow Your Heart”

Instead of the unbiblical advice to follow your heart, Christians should embrace a more faithful principle:

“Follow the Lord, and He will shape your heart.”

This aligns with the gospel: transformation begins not by trusting ourselves, but by surrendering to Christ. As we walk with Him, our hearts are renewed, purified, and guided by truth rather than impulse.

Final Thoughts: Truth Over Emotion

The phrase “follow your heart” may sound inspiring, but it is not grounded in biblical truth. Scripture consistently warns that the human heart is flawed and prone to deception. Our feelings must be filtered through God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's leading.

For believers seeking to live faithfully—and for families striving to raise children with discernment—the message is clear:

Do not follow your heart.
Follow Christ.

When we trust the Lord instead of our emotions, we walk in wisdom, truth, and lasting peace that no fleeting feeling can ever provide.

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Follow Your Heart?  Think Again!

How Phonics Worksheets Benefit Young Learners

Benefits of Phonics Worksheets For Early Readers

How Phonics Worksheets Benefit Young Learners

Watching your child sound out their very first word is a magical milestone. But if you are teaching reading at home or supporting your kindergartener's classroom learning, you might be wondering what tools actually work best. Between flashcards, apps, and games, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

While hands-on play is incredibly important, simple, well-designed phonics worksheets remain one of the most effective tools for early literacy. Learning to read should feel like a natural, gentle progression rather than a stressful chore.

Here is a look at why adding high-quality phonics printables to your daily routine can make a world of difference for your young learner.

1. They Solidify Letter-Sound Connections

Reading is essentially decoding a secret visual language. Phonics worksheets help children bridge the gap between recognizing a letter (like "A") and associating it with a sound (like "ah" for apple). When a child is asked to look at a picture of a cat and choose the correct starting letter, they are actively practicing that crucial letter-sound correspondence. It gives them the repetitive, focused practice their brains need to make those connections permanent.

2. They Build Fine Motor Skills

A great phonics activity isn't just about reading; it's about physical development, too! The best worksheets seamlessly integrate fine motor practice.

• Coloring: Shading in the correct letter bubble strengthens grip and hand endurance.

• Cutting and Pasting: Snipping out letters and gluing them next to corresponding pictures develops hand-eye coordination and scissor skills.

• Drawing Lines: Tracing paths or drawing arrows to match a picture to a sound helps build the exact muscle control needed for handwriting later on.

Key Benefits of Phonics Worksheets for Early Readers

3. They Foster Independent "Quiet Time" Learning

Let’s be honest—parents need a few moments of peace during the day! One of the greatest hidden benefits of phonics worksheets is that they encourage independent learning. Once a child understands the basic directions (like "color the picture that starts with this letter"), they can often complete the page on their own. This builds their confidence, teaches them how to focus on a single task from start to finish, and gives you a chance to prep lunch or enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

4. They Provide Visual Discrimination Practice

To an untrained eye, a lowercase "b" and a lowercase "d" look exactly the same. Worksheets train a child's eyes to notice tiny details and differences. When they have to hunt through a row of images to find the one that starts with a specific letter, they are developing visual discrimination—a vital skill for eventually distinguishing between similar-looking sight words.

5. They Give Parents a Clear Roadmap

When you are trying to teach phonics at home, it is easy to accidentally skip steps. Worksheets provide a structured, bite-sized way to review specific concepts. You don't have to overthink your lesson plan; you can just print a page that targets beginning sounds, hand over some crayons, and know that your child is getting valuable, focused practice.

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Looking for a stress-free way to practice these skills at home?

If you want to bring the benefits of phonics practice into your home without any complicated prep work, check out my Playful Alphabet Sounds Activity Bundle in the Abundant Family Living shop!

This 4-page digital download is packed with engaging, low-mess activities including color-the-sound bubbles, snip-and-stick letter matching, and picture hunting. Just print the pages, grab a few crayons and a glue stick, and watch your little one's reading confidence grow!

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Faith and Courage During Times of War | Biblical Encouragement for Christians

When War Is Necessary: A Biblical Encouragement for Christians in Troubled Times

In seasons when headlines are filled with conflict, uncertainty, and the sober realities of war, believers can feel tension in their hearts. We love peace. We serve the Prince of Peace. Yet we also live in a fallen world where governments must sometimes take decisive action to protect their citizens and preserve justice.

How should Christians think, pray, and live faithfully during times of necessary war?

Scripture does not ignore the reality of war. Instead, it provides clarity, comfort, and courage for God’s people.

1. God Is Not Surprised by War

The Bible speaks plainly about conflict among nations. In Ecclesiastes 3:8, Solomon writes that there is “a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” This verse does not celebrate war, but it acknowledges its place within the brokenness of history.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:6, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed.” Conflict is not outside God’s sovereign awareness. It does not derail His redemptive plan.

For the believer, this truth anchors the soul. Wars may shake nations, but they do not shake the throne of God (Psalm 103:19).

2. Government Has a God-Given Role

One of the clearest New Testament passages about civil authority is found in Romans 13:1–4. The Apostle Paul writes that governing authorities are “established by God” and that the ruler “does not bear the sword in vain.”

The “sword” is not symbolic language for polite persuasion. It represents the legitimate authority of the state to restrain evil and administer justice—even by force when necessary.

In a fallen world, national defense and the protection of innocent life are not inherently unbiblical. When a nation acts to preserve order and defend its people from aggression, it is fulfilling a responsibility that Scripture recognizes.

Christians can therefore support lawful national defense efforts without abandoning their commitment to peace. Supporting a necessary war for the protection of life is not the same as glorifying violence.

3. Scripture Distinguishes Between Personal Retaliation and National Justice

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus commands believers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This instruction governs personal conduct. We are not to act in revenge or hatred.

However, Scripture distinguishes between personal vengeance and the role of government. Romans 12:19 forbids personal revenge, but Romans 13 immediately explains that governing authorities are agents of justice.

Christians can pray for enemies at a personal level while recognizing that governments must sometimes confront aggression at a national level. These are not contradictions; they are distinct spheres of responsibility.

Faith and Courage During War | Christian Encouragement and Biblical Hope

4. God Has Used Warfare in Redemptive History

Throughout the Old Testament, God worked through nations and even battles to accomplish His purposes. In Joshua, Israel engaged in warfare as part of God’s judgment against persistent evil and as a means of establishing covenant order.

King David, described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), was also a warrior-king. His life reminds us that military service and devotion to God are not mutually exclusive.

While the church today is not a geopolitical nation like Israel, these accounts demonstrate that war itself is not inherently outside the moral framework of Scripture. What matters is justice, motive, and alignment with righteousness.

5. Our Ultimate Hope Is Not in Armies

While acknowledging the legitimacy of national defense, the Bible also cautions us not to place ultimate trust in military strength.

Psalm 20:7 declares, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Even during necessary conflict, believers must remember: security ultimately comes from the Lord. Armies may defend borders, but God defends hearts, homes, and eternities.

This balance is essential:

• We support lawful protection.

• We pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

• We honor those who serve.

• But we anchor our confidence in God alone.

The Power of a Praying Nation Book by Stormie Omartian – Christian Prayer for America

6. How Christians Should Respond During Wartime

Pray Consistently

Scripture urges intercession “for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:2). Pray for:

• Wisdom for national leaders

• Protection for soldiers

• Justice in strategy

• Swift resolution

• Protection of civilians

Guard Your Heart

Fear spreads quickly in times of war. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us to be anxious for nothing, but to bring everything to God in prayer.

Be a Witness of Steadfast Hope

When others are panicking, Christians have an opportunity to demonstrate peace rooted in Christ. John 16:33 records Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Support Those Who Serve

Romans 13 calls believers to give honor where honor is due. Encouragement, practical support, and prayer for military families are tangible expressions of Christian love.

7. Remember the Larger Story

War reminds us that we are not yet in the fully restored kingdom. Conflict points to the reality of sin in a broken world. But Scripture also promises a coming day when Christ will establish perfect peace.

Revelation 21:4 assures us that one day there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

Until that day, believers live faithfully between two realities:

• The necessity of justice in a fallen world

• The promise of eternal peace in a restored one

Final Encouragement

If you are weary from the news cycle, anxious about global events, or burdened for loved ones serving in harm’s way, remember:

God remains sovereign.
Justice matters to Him.
Prayer is powerful.
Evil does not have the final word.

War may sometimes be necessary for national security and the protection of innocent life. But even in those seasons, our confidence is not in weapons, strategies, or alliances—it is in the Lord of Hosts.

As Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Stand firm. Pray boldly. Trust deeply. And remember that Christ reigns—even in times of war.

You may like:

How to Talk to Your Children About War | Biblical Conversation Guide for Families | Christian Parenting Resource | Homeschool Family Discussion Printable

Family Prayer Guide Printable | Christian Family Devotional | Patriotic Prayer Activity for Kids | Bible Scripture Pages | Homeschool Faith Resource

Patriotic Christian Wall Art Set of 4 | Bible Verse Prints | Psalm 46:1 Psalm 20:7 John 16:33 2 Chronicles 20:15 | Military Family Decor | 8x10

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Faith and Courage During Times of War | Biblical Encouragement for Christians

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I Can Only Imagine Family Discussion Guide | Faith-Based Movie Reflection for Families

I Can Only Imagine:  Family Discussion and Reflection Guide

On Friday night, my husband and I saw the movie, I Can Only Imagine 2.  It was a good movie, but before I get into the details, let me offer some background information for those of you who are not familiar with MercyMe, Bart Millard, or the first movie, I Can Only Imagine.  

Bart Millard is the lead singer and songwriter for the Christian music band, MercyMe, which happens to be one of my favorite bands.  Bart lost his dad to cancer, inspiring him to write the legendary song, I Can Only Imagine.  Other artists have written songs after losing a loved one, but what makes Bart's song unique is the painful history he shared with his dad.  Bart's mother left him with his abusive father when he was very young, causing Bart to endure a childhood filled with challenges most of us can't begin to imagine.  His mother left him.  His dad abused him.  His dream of becoming a professional football player ended due to an injury.  He spent most of his young life craving his dad's kindness, which never came, until near the end of his dad's life, when he became a believer in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  For a little while, Bart and his dad shared the father-son bond that God originally intended.  Then, Bart's dad passed away.  The song "I Can Only Imagine" is about imagining what Heaven will be like when we get there.  Bart knows that one day he will see his dad again, and they'll both share in the joy and peace that only Heaven offers for eternity, but the song isn't about that.  It's about worshiping God.  What will that be like?  I can only imagine.

Themes in I Can Only Imagine 2: Faith in Life’s Storms

Now, let's talk about I Can Only Imagine 2.  This sequel picks up where the last movie left off.  Bart's dad is gone.  He and his wife, Shannon, have a son, Sam, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a young child.  The diagnosis shatters Bart and Shannon.  The pain Sam experiences when Bart gives him the insulin shots takes Bart's mind back to memories of abuse he suffered at the hands of his own dad.  

I struggled with this comparison.  In my mind, the two types of pain suffered here are nowhere near similar, but to Bart Millard, who was living this nightmare, they were connected.  I'll admit that this part of the movie was a little slow, but it picked up, and when it did, oh man - the message in this movie was well delivered.  

I Can Only Imagine 2 is about how God is in the storms of life just as much as he is in the sunshine.  He is with us on our best days, but He is with us on our worst days, too, through all the hurt and all the grief.

If you are familiar with MercyMe, you also know their song "Even If."  I Can Only Imagine 2 is the story behind that song.  One of the hard truths of life is that some situations will never go away.  We can pray for healing, and sometimes God grants healing, but sometimes He doesn't.  We can pray for circumstances to change, and sometimes God orchestrates those beautiful changes we long for, but sometimes He doesn't.  I Can Only Imagine 2 is more about the times when God doesn't grant the healing, and He doesn't change the circumstances.  It's about those times when God leaves mountains unmovable.

During one of the MercyMe tours, a man named Tim Timmons was given the opportunity to open for the band.  Tim, though he kept his illness a secret for some time, had been working on the lyrics to the song "Even If" but was stuck in the process.  He, knowing about the strained relationship between Bart and his son, Sam, asked Bart to listen to the song and to finish it for him.  Bart wasn't enthusiastic about this task until Tim ended up in the hospital with the probability of death looming.  

I Can Only Imagine Family Discussion Guide | Christian Movie Reflection for Families

Holding Grief and Gratitude Together

Bart thought about his own past with his abusive dad, his relationship with his own son, and the challenges that came with watching Sam grow up suffering the challenges of Type 1 Diabetes. He thought about Tim, with his failing health, Tim's love for the story of Horatio Spafford's hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," and something Tim had told Bart.  Every morning, when Tim woke up, he would draw an X on his wrist.  The mark was a daily reminder to be grateful for another day.  Tim told Bart that both his life and the song he couldn't seem to finish were about finding a way to hold both grief and gratitude together.   

Thus, Bart was inspired to pen the rest of the song, Even If.

My Personal Testimony: Learning to Say ‘Even If’”

The song Even If was a favorite of mine long before I knew the story behind it.  The year Even If was released, I was suffering several health challenges.  I was older, and my body chemistry was changing.  I suffered multiple symptoms that I shrugged off as "just aging."  I was raised under the "if you aren't bleeding, you're OK" mentality that I had passed on to my own kids through my own parenting.  I don't like to whine, and I don't like to hear others whine, so my family always jokes about my favorite phrase when I hear a complaint - "Suck it up, buttercup."  Well, as it turns out, I sucked it up and kept going for so long that I had let a chronic disease, Crohn's Disease, pretty much take over my whole body.  The treatments were helping the symptoms, and I was improving until I suddenly presented more severe symptoms - muscle weakness until I couldn't even hold a cup of water without help.  Events spiraled - Crohn's Disease, kidney cancer, a fall that resulted in a broken rib, that resulted in an inability to breathe well, that resulted in pneumonia, that resulted in three weeks of back-to-back Floxin antibiotics along with my regular Crohn's treatments, left me helpless.  When I finally ended up in the office of an infectious disease specialist, I had 6 different viruses and drug-induced Lupus.  I was told recovery would take at least a year.  I had to stop working, and when I read accounts of others who had suffered the same thing, I realized that some of them never recovered.  A friend messaged me to tell me that she was praying for me and that she knew someone who ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of her life after suffering the same ailments as I was.  

My husband and I were at the threshold of youth and aging, with one foot still in the room of youth and the other stepping over the threshold into the next phase of life.  I felt cheated out of the last years of my youth.  Our kids were older, and in case no one ever told you, parenting teens and young adults is not for the faint of heart.  Just a few years before, I had rarely ever gotten sick.  Age wasn't bothering me; I felt as young and strong as ever - but then, there I was -  I felt old, tired, sick, and heartbroken over circumstances I won't get into here.  I prayed for all the things - strength, healing, relationships - all the things in life that bring sorrow and hurt - all the things that leave you learning to hold grief and gratitude together.

Then, I heard it - Even If.  The song became an instant favorite.  My heart felt every word.

"I know the sorrow and I know the hurt would all go away if you would just say the word, but even if you don't, my hope is you alone."

Back then, I was told recovery would take a year, but I had no way of knowing to what level I would recover.  For months, I couldn't twist off the cap of a bottle of water, but I could walk.  I didn't know which muscles would improve and which ones would not.  There were so many uncertainties, but even so, God taught me to say, "It is well with my soul."

I wrote a short devotional during this time:  When Chronic Illness Steals Your Joy

When Chronic Illness Steals Your Joy | Scripture-Based Devotional for Sufferers

I'm happy to report that even though I don't have all the strength and stamina I once had, I consider myself fully recovered and have a very good quality of life. Still, I learned during that time that I had to be OK even if I didn't fully recover, even if that relationship never healed, even if parenting that stage seemed impossible, even if I couldn't work, even if that mountain remained unmovable because God had already been so good during all of my days. His goodness was something I knew I could count on.

I Can Only Imagine and I Can Only Imagine 2 cover a lot of hard topics, but God meets us in the middle of them.  

If you are reading this and you don't have a relationship with the Lord, you can learn how to have a relationship with Him here.  Maybe you think you are too far away from God for Him to reach you.  You're not.  You can never be too far away for God to reach you.  Maybe you are a ruthless abuser.  God can save you, too.  Bart Millard once said of his dad:

My dad was a monster, and I realized if the gospel could change that dude, the gospel can change anybody.

The Family Discussion and Reflection Guide

In case I didn't make it clear enough, I highly recommend both of these movies.  I know many families will likely watch the films with their children, even though these movies are not recommended for children under 10, so I have written a Discussion and Reflection Guide for families to use before and after watching them.  It is geared more toward the first movie, but the principles apply to both movies.

Both films teach that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances—He is present in both healing and hardship.

If your family watched I Can Only Imagine, this reflection guide will help you process the film’s themes of suffering, forgiveness, and unwavering faith together.  I hope you enjoy the films and that the discussion and reflection guide helps make the time you spend together joyful and meaningful.

By the way, MercyMe recently released a new song, another that highlights Horatio Spafford's hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul."  It features scenes from I Can Only Imagine 2.  

PIN ME!

I Can Only Imagine Family Discussion Guide for Christian Families | Faith-Based Movie Reflection

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