Darkness and suffering can trap us in a draining loop of “what if,” but hope and the radical acceptance of “what is” offers the way out. Hope is not a fixed point we will reach, but a living force that propels us forward. Through hardship we are formed anew, and in our suffering, Jesus brings forth a new creation. Good things are happening even in the darkness.

Happy Mother’s Day! Today we celebrate all the women in our lives, those who have nurtured, led, and loved us deeply. We honor the heart of a mother, a heart that reflects Jesus. Whether biological or spiritual, moms carry superpowers of love. They see the unseen, make space for the lost, and take risks for the defenseless. Many mothers battle mom guilt, feeling they fall short. But true freedom comes when we receive Jesus’ love. We aren’t empowered by expectations from the world, but by the spirit of God.

Anxiety and fear are real responses, but they are meant to counsel us, not imprison us. In His own suffering, Jesus showed that surrender brings strength and that anxious thoughts can point us to our deepest longings to feel significant, accepted, and secure. But these needs are fully met in Christ. When we reframe our life’s telos around Him, anxiety becomes a doorway to deeper trust, joy, and freedom.