“When someone loves and invests in your child, it means the world to a parent in a way that words simply cannot express.”  

Our pastor frequently used this phrase when he would witness someone mentoring children or to those who loved on and invested in his.

From my own experience with him and other friends who loved, mentored, and coached my children, I know that when someone shows up for your child without obligation, it is truly a gift.

One of the phrases we often use in response is, “I can never thank you enough!” or “I could never repay you!”

Certainly, the person doesn’t expect repayment, and a heartfelt thank you is more than sufficient. 

It’s about the exchange of mutual love—that’s the essence of it.

It’s similar to telling someone I love them; their response of “I love you too” completes the exchange.

Today, on Palm Sunday, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He knew what awaited Him. He tried to convey this to the people, but they didn’t understand. With unwavering love and devotion, He willingly rode straight into His own death.

God loved you so much that:

• He sacrificed his one and only child!
• He offered as a gift his one and only child.
• He invested in me, his one and only child.

God, became a bereaved parent! 

As we approach this coming Easter season, one of my favorite Easter memories was Annie’s baptism. She asked to be baptized and was excited to give her life to Jesus. 

One way to explain the significance of her baptism was to discuss Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection as a profound expression of His love: “I love you so much, I want you in heaven with me.” 

Now, Annie wanted to respond with her own declaration: “I love you too, and I want to be in heaven with you.”

For her baptism, I sang a song titled “WHY” by Nicole Nordeman. It tells the story of a little girl who witnesses the crucifixion and keeps asking her dad WHY everyone wants Jesus to die. The song transitions to Jesus asking His Father WHY He must die.

God hears his one and only son’s cry! 

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

The same cry you and I have!

WHY GOD, WHY?

The song ends with God answering him: 

“Look, there below, see the child

trembling by her father’s side.

Now I can tell you why…

She is why you must die.”

When I sang it, I changed the words.
With Annie in the baptismal about to giving her life as a reciprocal gift, I turned to face her and sang:

“Look, there below, see the child

Who just gave you her life…

Now I can tell you why…

She is why you must die.”

Easter has always been a special time in my heart as a Christian, but now, as a bereaved parent, the significance of the cost has pierced my heart.  I have a deeper love for and understanding of God that I could not have known before.

“When someone loves and invests in your child, it means the world to a parent in a way that words simply cannot express.”  

God, I can never thank You enough for loving us so deeply that You sent Your child so we could have our’s back again!

As we reflect on the questions we all ask—especially the “why” in our lives—I would like you to share your thoughts. 

Does knowing Jesus asked the same question comfort you?

How does the promise of resurrection shape your understanding of grief?

Have you ever considered the idea of God as a bereaved parent?

Leave a comment to share your experiences. I look forward to hearing from you!