We've been thinking about Jesus all wrong, lately. Not in a weird, but in a way that might actually be keeping us from the freedom He came to give us. This Palm Sunday we have a bit more to chew on as we journey through Holy week! & after reading this we hope you do too!

For some of us it's shame from our past. For others it's a lack of trust, or fear about the future, or maybe a deep desire we don't want to admit that has become an idol. But we are all carrying something we shouldn't be carrying right now.

On this Palm Sunday we are reminded of how different of a Savior we actually got versus who we probably expected. And honestly? In this case expectation is way worse than reality. That's good news. Or should we say... that's gospel. Sorry, we had to. Lol.

When we think of the King of Kings we probably don't think of a crown of thorns.

When we think of the Lord of Lords we probably don't think of Him washing other people's feet.

When we imagine riding into battle we probably didn't imagine it being on a donkey.

But God was revealing more to us in those unlikely moments about who He is than He ever could have through the version we expected.

A crown of thorns represents Him stepping down from His rightful seat to accept suffering on our behalf. He didn't have to. He chose to!

The washing of feet represents a King who sees exactly where you have been, what you have done and is willing to wash you clean.

But the donkey is the one that really got us…

Donkeys carry burdens. That is literally their job. So when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of one, heading toward the cross, we can't help but see what He was showing us. He was foreshadowing the burdens He was about to carry to the cross on our behalf.

So why are we still walking around with them like a bad haircut?

Why are we allowing shame to determine our value?

Why are we allowing the way people let us down to convince us that God will do the same?

Why are we allowing the fear of how life might turn out to drive us into stress and anxiety when God clearly does not operate in a spirit of fear?

Why are we not being honest with God about our deepest desires when Psalm 37 tells us that when we get the order right He will actually give us the desires of our hearts?

Maybe it's because we are not seeing God for who He actually revealed Himself to be.

We may see an angry old man in the sky when we need to see that Jesus wept.

We may see failed plans and hope deferred when we need to see a God who does not waste a single thing or a season of our life.

We may see an overwhelmed life when we need to see Him standing right there asking us to lay it down and trade our heavy yoke for His. Because His is light. He is literally offering to trade us and we constantly say no. Or maybe later.

If you're walking through a desert and you are weighed down by everything you're carrying and a friend walks up and offers to switch bags with you, you have two options. You can say no and keep pushing through on your own. White knuckling life. Or you can say yes and feel the weight lift off your shoulders and be genuinely thankful that that friend showed up when you needed it most.

Jesus is that friend (and so much more) He already made the trade on the cross. You can let it stay there. 🌿

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just go.

We truly believe rest is a spiritual discipline and we built a place for exactly that. Vision Chalet is our family's little corner of the world where you can slow down, breathe deep, and actually hear yourself think again. Whether it's a girls trip, a couples getaway, or a solo reset the door is open. Book your stay →

Tori:
This past week was my birthday and honestly I didn't expect to feel this way about it! I've been a little emotional in the best way thinking about the women God has been putting on my heart and where He seems to be leading this next season. I don't have all the answers but I feel more on fire than I have in a long time. More on that soon! Also Talks with Tori starts recording this week and I cannot wait for you to hear what's coming! 🤍

Chad:
A lot going on over here and that's the honest version. This season has been humbling in ways I didn't fully sign up for but I'm not rushing out of it either. I was in scripture yesterday and was reminded that God exalts the humble and opposes the proud. So I'm just trying to stay low and let Him do what He does.

I want to ask for your prayers for someone I love. One of my mentors, Michael Smith, is fighting for his life right now and it's not looking good.. as it stands it looks like tomorrow will be his last day here on earth. He has poured into me more than he knows and his family needs support right now.

The boys:
Micah has fully figured out how to work us! We are now reading nine books before bed every night and nobody is entirely sure how we got here! 😂 If your littles are in their Easter era right now our friends wrote the most beautiful Easter book and you can grab it here. We also keep this one on heavy rotation and it never gets old. Noah is copying everything Micah does including going way too fast on his scooter. And Ezra is still not sleeping great but that smile! That boy is pure sunshine and we are simply not okay about it in the best way. 🧡

Love yall!