Yvette Walker's Blog, page 2
June 20, 2025
Rediscovering 'Touched by an Angel'
Remember these lyrics?
“When you walk down the road, heavy burden, heavy load. I will rise, and I will walk with you.”
These are the opening words to the 1994 TV series “Touched by an Angel.” It premiered years after the series “Highway to Heaven,” and while I liked both, watching TBAA again really surprised me.
I recently rediscovered this show on Paramount+ (you can watch it on other streaming services, too) and I have been down the rabbit hole of watching as many episodes as I could find. What surprised me was that I didn’t remember the insightful and adult content.
While my memory recalled a sappy, saccharine show, watching it again revealed a show full of complicated plots and diverse characters. And did you realize it ran nine years, from 1994 to 2003?
Hey, I’m not saying this show is better than anything on television (it did win several primetime Emmys), but these plots made my head spin: a former college call girl married to a man running for congress; an undocumented immigrant boy looking for a family; a homeless man sheds his pride; a successful teen tries to commit suicide.
Broken families and relationships featured heavily in the series.
Sure, there were the requisite sad stories about a child dying of a heart condition and a boy whose mother ran away after her daughter died, but these stories were told with beauty, dignity, and joy.
And the most repeated words in the series? “God loves you.” This is what TV watchers need right now.
Roma Downey, Della Reese starred as the main angels, whose missions to help people sometimes invited the angel of death, played by John Dye.
I have to admit I cried cleansing tears at several episodes, just like I did at “Highway to Heaven,” starring Michael Landon. But I had forgotten the joy of “Touched by an Angel,” and its beautiful song.
Here is the full rendition by Della Reese.
Your sister in Christ,
THE BOOKSHELF
These mysteries and suspense novels feature an array of authors, including my bestie author, Liz Bullard! I’m in there, too!
Searching for your next favorite story?
Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator, and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
June 19, 2025
What I learned from Daddy
Daddy standing, at right. Wasn’t he handsome? I’m in the terrible coke-bottle glasses on the left, with my sister, Karen, and my mother, Virginia. They all have passed on to Heaven. (The sitting man was a guest at our house.) This photo was taken sometime around 1972.Editor’s note: Last week was Father’s Day, and I wrote this piece but didn’t send it ou…
Fathers are complicated
Daddy standing, at right. Wasn’t he handsome? I’m in the terrible coke-bottle glasses on the left, with my sister, Karen, and my mother, Virginia. This photo was taken sometime around 1972.I received this email from my church a few weeks ago:
“Good afternoon!
“We are so honored that you’ll be joining us this Sunday for the Father’s Day video shoot. Your reflections and stories will be a deeply meaningful part of our weekend service, as we take time to celebrate and honor the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives and communities.”
When asked to share about my daddy, I was so honored. I said yes, immediately. To help me prepare, the video coordinator shared questions they would be asking during the shoot:
Looking back, what’s one of the most important lessons your father or father figure taught you?
How did your father influence the person you are today?
What advice from your dad do you still live by?
What is one memory of your father that you hold most dear?
How would you describe your father’s impact on your family and community?
All these questions were important, and I answered them all. But when I saw the final video of me, they used question number one.
Here is what I said (you can stop the video after my answer):
My father has been gone for nearly 20 years now, but I can see him in my mind’s eye like it was yesterday. Like I said in the video, he was complicated, and my parents’ marriage wasn’t perfect — whose is? — but I learned love, loyalty and determination from them. They almost made it to 50 years but my mother died a few years short of that. What a celebration that would have been! I love you, mommy and daddy.
Your sister in Christ,
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator, and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
June 11, 2025
Loving Day is beautiful and Biblical
Photo credit: Unsplash/Rawpixel“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
This week, my husband, Tim, and I flew to the Pacific Northwest to celebrate one of my closest friends. She is marrying her true love, someone she has known for years, who takes her as she is. Because my friend is close in age to me, this is a mature couple. It is a mature first marriage.
And it is an interracial marriage. She is getting married on Thursday, June 12, and that’s not lost on me at all. It’s Loving Day.
Those of you who read my column on “Why I Got Married on Good Friday,” know that Tim and I are an interracial marriage, too. Loving Day is an important day for us.
Tim and Yvette married in 2017.Loving Day is named for the couple who married in 1958, even though interracial marriage was against the law in Virginia, where they lived. They went across the border to wed in the District of Columbia, and when they returned home, Richard Perry Loving (white) and Mildred Delores Jeter (black and Native American) were arrested.
Their marriage was a crime punishable by one to five years in prison.
Before I even knew the date of my friend’s wedding, I knew of the Lovings as kind and gentle people who weren’t looking for fame, but rather love. Long after Richard’s death, I met Mildred and her family at a conference for multiracial families in Lansing, Michigan.
Mildred was soft-spoken but courageous about her love for Richard, which is why they took the risks they did.
Risking everything for loveAfter their arrest, a judge gave them a 1-year sentence and an opportunity: Agree to leave Virginia and not return for 25 years to avoid time in jail. They took it, moving to Washington, D.C. But they missed the rural life they knew and loved.
In 1963, recognizing a shifting culture in America, Mildred Loving wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy about their situation. His office suggested contacting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Then, the ACLU referred the Lovings to a lawyer named Bernard S. Cohen.
According to Lovingday.org, “At first, he worked alone on getting the trial judge to rehear the case. A year later, a chance meeting led to connecting with another young lawyer named Philip H. Hirschkop. Together they would appeal the Lovings’ case for years, and for free.”
The case went to the Supreme Court. The Lovings’ lawyers argued that the couple was denied equal protection under the law.
Richard Loving asked his lawyers to “tell the Court I love my wife and it is just unfair that I can’t live with her in Virginia.”
In a unanimous decision, the court struck down centuries of racist laws against interracial marriage and relationships. Nearly nine years after they were arrested, the Lovings won the right to live together as a family in the place they called home.
Acknowledging that the couple’s name, Loving, is a fitting tribute for what they fought for, just seems trite. It’s so much more than that. Jesus preached love: Love of God, Love of others.
On her wedding website, my friend posted this: “The Lovings’ memorable story (and fitting name), are part of a larger and continuing struggle for racial justice. Courtroom history led up to their case. Attitudes and demographics shape our society.”
A short film, “Loving Day,” was named an official selection at the 2025 American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes. It focuses on an interracial couple’s wedding plans, which take an unexpected turn when the Loving v. Virginia case is overturned.
I pray that day never comes.
Your sister in Christ,
Join the waitlist for the upcoming devotional journal, Beautifully Loved, for single, separated and divorced women.
Waitlist for "Beautifully Loved"
THE BOOKSHELF
Searching for your next favorite story?
Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
June 3, 2025
Divorce doesn’t disqualify you
Editor’s note: Even if you are not divorced or separated, you probably know someone who is. Share this column, or buy a gift subscription for someone you love.
One of recent podcast guest Dana Williams’s passionate messages is that divorced Christian women are not second-class citizens in the body of Christ. The church must stop treating divorced individuals like outcasts or “lepers.” Instead, they need to be embraced, supported, and empowered to reclaim their God-given purpose.
“Divorced people are not leprous,” Dana insists. “They don’t have to walk around with torn clothes or disheveled hair. That’s how some Christians view divorced people, but that’s not the truth.”
This message is vital for women who might feel shame or rejection because of their divorce. Women can walk back into church with their heads held high, knowing their worth and calling remain intact.
Both Dana and I have learned that healing from divorce isn’t just about moving on from the other person—it’s also about owning our own contributions to the relationship dynamics. Whether you admit your own codependency or enabling, as I did, understanding this personal responsibility is critical for breaking unhealthy patterns and moving toward healthier relationships in the future.
Post-divorce dating can be a minefield, especially for Christian women who might fall into “serial dating” or attract partners who aren't aligned with their values. That was me, in a nutshell.
Therapy and spiritual growth helped me recognize how childhood trauma and past experiences influence who we attract and who we are attracted to. Healing those wounds allows us to be more discerning and open to God’s perfect timing and plan for relationships.
A significant part of Dana’s healing was learning to pray the Word of God over herself—something she hadn’t deeply understood before. She created a short book called Who Am I After Divorce? that offers scriptures, encouragement, and practical ways to pray God’s promises as weapons against the enemy and balm for the soul.
Prayer is a powerful tool for divorced Christian women to reclaim their identity and walk in healing.
Divorce doesn’t have to define your future or your faith journey. Walking this path takes courage and time, but with God’s help, divorced Christian women can find redemption and renewed identity beyond their past.
If you are navigating the painful aftermath of divorce, know you are not alone. There is hope, healing, and a community ready to support you. Embrace your identity as a beloved child of God, seek healing through prayer and therapy, and refuse to accept the stigma that divorce disqualifies your calling.
Your journey toward redemption is a powerful testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. Like Dana, you can rise, reclaim, and live fully in the joy and purpose God has prepared for you.
Join the waitlist for the upcoming devotional journal, Beautifully Loved, for single, separated and divorced women.
Waitlist for "Beautifully Loved"
Your sister in Christ,
THE BOOKSHELF
Searching for your next favorite story?
Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
May 23, 2025
Safe spaces for divorced women to heal
Photo by Jen Theodore on UnsplashDivorce can feel like a shattering experience, especially for divorced Christian women who often face unique challenges within their faith communities. Yet, redemption and healing are possible. As Dana Williams shares her story and ministry, we discover a powerful message of hope: your identity in Christ transcends the pain of divorce and offers a path to reclaiming joy, purpose, and wholeness.
Divorce is painful, and for Christian women, the journey can be even more isolating. Dana Williams recalls that when she divorced over 15 years ago, resources and support were scarce, especially for those deeply involved in church leadership. As a pastor’s wife herself, she experienced firsthand the stigma and loneliness that often accompany divorce within religious communities.
“You feel very alone. It’s very isolating. You’re in pain and isolated at the same time,” Dana explains. Sadly, sometimes the church itself can be a source of pain instead of a refuge.
Loren Cribbs, an author and blogger, talks about her marriage falling apart after her husband’s betrayal and how she was blindsided. “Even my male friends knew I would never cheat,” she said.
This isolation makes it crucial for divorce care ministries to expand and create safe spaces where healing can begin. Thankfully, today, there are more Christian groups and influencers focused on supporting divorced women.
One of the most important truths Dana and Loren emphasize is that healing from divorce is a process, not an instant fix. Many women struggle deeply in the months and even years following a divorce. Loren explains:
“So my self-worth is like gone. Like I had no job. I had no husband. I had no kids. you know, I have a quote in the book that's like, here I was, like I was sitting amongst all these packing boxes and you know, I was husbandless, childless, and I was feeling less. I was feeling less than what I thought life was supposed to be like.”
The answer is that healing takes time. It’s natural to want the pain to end immediately, but rushing into dating or seeking validation too soon can often prolong the healing journey. Dana likens the process to rebuilding one’s identity, which divorce can profoundly disrupt.
“Divorce breaks down parts of our identity, and the Lord redeems that identity. But sometimes it takes us a while to walk in it.”
Understanding this timeline allows women to be gentle with themselves and commit to the work of restoration at their own pace.
Learn more from Dana and Loren Cribbs, whose new book helps women rise above divorce, in the full videos and podcasts on Positively Joy.
THE BOOKSHELF
Searching for your next favorite story?
Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
May 13, 2025
Walking with Jesus
Photo by Wesley Mc Lachlan on Unsplash“Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 31-32
A few weeks ago, a Sunday sermon at my church opened my eyes. It reminded me of when I was a young teacher of the Word.
The Gospel story of Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus was one of the first lessons I taught at a church conference. I was 20-something, unsure of myself as a Bible teacher, but on fire for Jesus.
On the road, Jesus shows up and asks two apostles what they were talking about. They engaged in conversation with Jesus, but did not recognize him. We don’t know how long they walked with him, but the Bible tells us that Emmaus is seven miles from Jerusalem.
Even if they walked only one mile, and were average walkers, they were with him for 20 minutes without recognizing him!
My pastor’s message was that Jesus is there, in our lives, but unseen, walking with you in your hard times.
And that, on its own, is a fine message. But it went farther for me.
Back when I was young, I doubted my ability to speak on behalf of Jesus. I remembered the crumpled white sheets of lined paper — this was years before tablets and iPhones — and checking and double-checking Scripture.
How dare I think I could speak for God?
Decades later, I still feel the same trepidation, the same fear and agitation about making mistakes. I feel the same feelings in my 60s. But what I know now that I was just learning then, is that Jesus is with me, invisible, unseen, but I know he’s called me to speak, to teach, and will place me where he wants me, in front of the people he wants me in front of.
That was the rest of the Sunday lesson. It’s a powerful message and keeps me from frustrations and fears. The main point? It’s all Jesus.
What about you? What have you learned today?
Your sister in Christ,
THE BOOKSHELF
LAST DAY FOR Basketful of Books: Easter Giveaway Spectacular!
Featured Book“100 Days of Psalms: Journey to Holiness”
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Through the path that Yahshua has laid out for us, this devotional offers daily insights and reflections to help you grow in your relationship with the Father.
In this book, you’ll journey through the book of Psalms, from Psalm 1 to Psalm 100, and experience the depth of God’s Word like never before.
Each day, you’ll find thought-provoking reflections, prayers, true and false questions, and practical applications to help you understand His promises and draw nearer to His presence.
Whether rejoicing on the mountaintops or navigating the valleys, this guide will anchor you in God’s unchanging love.
Don’t wait for tomorrow—grab your Bible and this powerful devotional, and in just 100 days, you’ll find yourself transformed, strengthened, and deeply rooted in God’s wisdom. This is your opportunity to walk closer to God than ever before. The peace, joy, and transformation you’ve longed for are just a page away.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy! Like, subscribe and share.
Positively Joy Podcast
The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
May 1, 2025
Stay connected to God through day of Prayer
Photo by Hillshire Farm on UnsplashStay tuned for our post on the National Day of Prayer.
But first, a small interruption: Did Mother’s Day sneak up on you again? It’s May 11, and there’s still time to give a gift that speaks straight to her heart. It’s a guided journal that prompts mom to find joy around her every day and in daily life.
Journaling His Joy: A Six-Month Guided Journey to Discover God’s Joy in Your Everyday LifeWhat if joy wasn’t something you had to chase, but something you could choose, every single day?
From Positively Joy Ministries, Journaling His Joy is a beautifully designed six-month guided journal that helps you uncover authentic, lasting joy through intentional reflection, scripture, and creativity. Whether you're navigating a season of transition or simply longing for a deeper connection with God, this journal invites you to slow down, tune in, and discover joy rooted in faith, not circumstance.
Inside this inspiring journal, you’ll find:
Daily journaling space to capture moments of joy, gratitude, growth, and grace
Weekly check-in pages with scripture-based prompts to help you reflect, renew, and plan
Monthly “Joy Check” reflections to assess your growth and track how joy is blooming in your life
Creative coloring images are perfect for a peaceful moment with God
Designed to pair with Christian planner stickers (available separately) for extra fun and inspiration
This isn’t just a journal—it’s a keepsake of your JOY journey. As you fill its pages, you’ll create a collection of meaningful memories and spiritual milestones, all anchored in God’s unshakable love.
BONUS: My devotional, “Whispering in His Ear” is on sale for $10! Get the pair for just $25. Order by THIS FRIDAY to receive it in time for Mother’s Day!
Start today. Discover the joy that’s already within you.
National Day of PrayerToday is the National Day of Prayer, or, as I like to call prayer, whispering in his ear. The day comes and goes every year, but do you think about it as a way to build your prayer life? This year’s theme, inspired by Romans 15:13, is:
"Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled."
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This simple yet profound message reminds us that prayer isn't just a ritual—it’s a source of joy, peace, and lasting hope.
5 Ways to Stay Spiritually Connected on the Day of Prayer1. Start with Quiet Time
Carve out space in the morning to pray and meditate on Romans 15:13. Let God speak to you through His Word. He’s listening.
2. Join a Local or Virtual Prayer Gathering
You don’t have to pray alone. Check your local listings or visit nationaldayofprayer.org to find a gathering near you.
3. Use Guided Resources
The National Day of Prayer Task Force offers downloadable prayer guides, devotionals, and even a Family HOPE Prayer Calendar.
4. Pray as a Family
Model the habit of intercession for your children or spouse, and ask God to be at the center of your home.
5. Lift Up the Seven Centers of Influence
Focus your prayers on the seven key sectors shaping our nation:
• Government
• Military
• Media
• Business
• Education
• Church
• Family
When we intercede together in unity, God moves.
Prayer doesn’t end on May 1. This day is a spark, not a conclusion. Let it ignite a deeper daily walk with God. Stay rooted in prayer, stay in His Word, and stay connected to the body of Christ.
Need a simple prayer to start? Here’s one:
“God of hope, I trust You today. Fill me with Your joy and peace. Help me overflow with hope by the power of Your Spirit. Let my prayers today touch heaven and change earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Your sister in Christ,
Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
THE BOOKSHELF
Basketful of Books: Easter Giveaway Spectacular!
Transformational Non-fiction!
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
April 25, 2025
Refresh your front porch for Spring
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. — Matthew 10:40
I wanted to have a welcoming front porch, but I haven’t really worked on it here at the new house. Until now.
Back when I lived in Oklahoma, you might recall how I wrote about the “Red Dirt Ranch,” as I called my country ranch house on Flora Drive in Norman. My husband, Tim, and I thought it would be our forever home, but things change. God had different ideas for us.
So, we moved to Kansas City in June 2023 and bought a home in March 2024. We certainly didn’t expect to buy so soon, but some of you will remember our rental home experience that prompted the purchase of a new place for Tim and me.
The new home is very different from the Red Dirt Ranch, most prominently, it’s not a ranch. But it reminded me of a home I had back in Edmond, Oklahoma, that I loved very much. So we put an offer in right away.
It did have curb appeal, but I knew I wanted to spruce it up. It took a year, but I finally did it. And I’m pleased with the results:
If you are interested in finding what I used (or a dupe), keep reading. (I’m an Amazon Affiliate member and may receive commissions.)
The wreathI immediately fell in love with this wreath of dark green leathery leaves. It’s so luscious, and goes well with the topiaries that flank the door. I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby, but there was just one left. This one is very similar and if you don’t like the flowers, just take them off.
The topiaries and plantersWhat I loved about these is that they are very dense and are lifelike. You get two in a pack and they take a minimal fluffing to refresh. They are not smashed flat in the mail. I was impressed by the packaging. I have them buried in some planters I already had and that way they are lifted off the ground. I think they look fancy but still approachable.
I filled in around the top with this pea gravel. You’ll need two five-pound bags.
The welcome mat and carpetI wanted a carpet that withstood outdoor elements but still looked pretty, so I chose this jute rug. The 3x5 size fit perfectly, and I just paired it with a standard black and white “welcome” mat. You can find one here.
The accessoriesI needed a few things to zhuzh it up and so I leaned Americana. I’ve linked to some dupes here: I love animal statuary, so I found a chicken and a bunny to welcome guests. I already had the lime green pots and sat one on top of an upturned twin. I will plant annuals there come May. My hen is sitting on an old galvanized metal planter/tub that you can find at garden or outdoor stores. I listed a dupe here.
If you’re like me, you probably are coming through your garage door more often than your front door, but I love having my front porch “guest-ready!” Have fun decorating for spring and summer!
Your sister in Christ,
Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Basketful of Books: Easter Giveaway Spectacular!
Transformational Non-fiction!
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
April 18, 2025
Why I got married on Good Friday
It's Holy Week, and time to share my annual story of how I got married on Good Friday. This was originally published on Medium.com.
I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus lately:
We remember that He went to the grave for our sins, and then came back to life!
I’m listening to a Bible app devotional;
We saw “The Chosen,” a series about the life of Christ at the movie theater;
And my eighth wedding anniversary is today — yes, you read that right, on GOOD FRIDAY!
You might think that is a strange day to get married, but we chose it for an important reason. My husband, Tim, and I met on Good Friday in 2015, and I strongly believe that God brought us together. When he proposed on my birthday in June 2016 I knew instantly what day we would wed.
Good Friday appears to be a day of sadness and death and fear, but it also is a day of love, hope and redemption.
On the Positively Joy podcast, The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade and I talked about how movies depict the life of Christ and some, like “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and “The Passion,” feature all the blood and gore of a horror movie.
But remember all the people Christ came in contact with, even on His way on the Via Dolorosa, including Simon of Cyrene, who helped carry Jesus’ cross. He was forced by Roman soldiers, but Simon had compassion for Jesus.
Think about the criminals he was hanged beside. One only thought of himself, asking Jesus to save them, but one was transformed just being near Jesus, and asked him to remember Him in Heaven.
It is hope, compassion and kindness that Jesus evoked to most who were near Him. And that is why I was happy to be married on Good Friday.
Technically, the wedding day was Friday, April 14, 2017. That was Good Friday in 2017 but since then, Good Friday, like Easter, moves around on the calendar.
We celebrate the day every Good Friday:
In 2018, it was March 30
In 2019, it was April 19
In 2020 it was April 10
In 2021 it was April 2.
In 2022 it was April 15 (just one day after the real date. We got pretty close that year!)
In 2023 it was April 7
In 2024 March 29.
And today, it’s April 18. Always a Friday. Always our anniversary.
I looked back at the ceremony. Our officiant Wendy Meyer told us that day, “Nothing beats a marriage built on Christ.” In my vows, I told Tim:
You are the kind of man I need, but in the past, my shortcomings might not have allowed me to pick you. BUT GOD has his own plans. The song “Spirit of the Living God” by Meredith Andrews goes:
“When you speak and when you move
When you do what only you can do
It changes us, it changes what we see and what we seek.”
Yvette and Tim on the beach, with wedding officiant Wendy Meyer.The Living God changed me and what, and who, I sought. In his vows, Tim told me:
In my eternal life, it is my desire to seek God’s face so that I may be with Him in the next. (He then quoted Ecclesiates 4:9–10:) “Two are better than one because they have good return for their works. If one falls down his friend can help him up.”
Here where earth, sky and ocean meet, I pledge my love to thee.
Getting married on this very special day, mere days before Easter, made me feel like we were partnering with the Savior. Co-laboring, as a good friend calls it, with God’s ultimate plan for us.
Good Friday isn’t about pain, it’s about relief. It’s about sacrifice in love. It’s about redemption and provision.
And our wedding and marriage aren’t about each other — Tim and Yvette — it’s about the love of Christ, and how that love keeps our marriage holy. Amen!
Happy Holy Week, and Happy Easter season! I pray that you find Jesus right where you are. In your marriage, in your family, and in your own life.
It’s not about us. Our marriage is a holy partnership with God.Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
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I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Think you can't find redemption after a breakup? Dana Williams speaks life into Christians who have divorced. She believes your identity in Christ redeems women, no matter the stage of their relationship. Dana has a life of lessons to share this week.
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THE BOOKSHELF
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