Happy Easter Sunday! As we celebrate this day of renewal and grace, I’ve been reflecting on something powerful: forgiveness and the freedom it brings. Easter reminds us of what God has done for us—His sacrifice, His love, His promise of a fresh start. Because of that, we can let go of the pain of the past and step forward with hope.

Carrying old hurts is like dragging a heavy chain. Maybe it’s a grudge against someone who wronged you, a regret you can’t shake, or even anger at yourself for mistakes you’ve made. Those chains weigh us down, keeping us stuck in moments we can’t change. But here’s the truth Easter points us to: God’s grace covers it all. He’s already taken the weight—not just of our sins, but of the pain we hold onto. Through Him, we’re offered forgiveness, and that same forgiveness can flow through us to others and ourselves.

Forgiving doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt or letting someone off the hook. It means choosing to release the grip that pain has on you, trusting God’s love to heal what’s broken. It’s saying, “I won’t let this define me anymore.” When we forgive—whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even ourselves—we’re not just setting them free; we’re setting ourselves free to move forward. Easter is the ultimate reminder: the tomb is empty, the past doesn’t win, and we don’t have to carry it.

I’ve had my own chains to drop. There was a time I held onto resentment over a betrayal, replaying it like a bad movie. It wasn’t until I leaned into God’s grace—remembering what He’d forgiven in me—that I could finally let it go. It didn’t erase the past, but it changed my future. I felt lighter, ready to walk forward without that weight.

So, this Easter, here’s my challenge for you: think of one thing you’ve been carrying—a hurt, a regret, a grudge. Write it down, pray over it, and ask God to help you release it. Then take one step forward—maybe it’s a kind word, a fresh goal, or just a moment of gratitude for His grace. You don’t have to do it perfectly; you just have to start.

I’d love to hear how you’re embracing this freedom today—reply if you feel like sharing. Because of what God has done, the past doesn’t own you. You’re free to move forward, and that’s worth celebrating.

He is risen!

Justin

​

​

PS - I have a weekly update that I will include on my dreams below, this is something I have been doing personally for more than 2 years now, and it is my guiding light for how I make decisions and decide what I want to be doing and chasing.

If you ever want to became part of what I am creating, you can sign up at www.justindcstephens.com for the Employee Empowerment Initiative.

​

​

Justin Stephens

​​​​​​​​