Disclosure: Diary of a First Time Mom is teaming up with NBC to promote something that is near and dear to my heart. I dare say that it reigns in my heart–the story of Jesus. Although I am being compensated to spread the word, all opinions remain my own. 

Dear Diary,

This week, I prepared for our annual Easter celebration. I raided the Dollar Tree for goodies to fill Caitlynn’s basket. The treats  were affordable and not all made out of sugar. Some were actually educational, like books and crafts. I waited until the last minute to go shopping for her outfit to wear to church, however the selection was picked over. Luckily, my mother picked up a beautiful lace dress for Sunday service. And after Caitlynn’s hair appointment, we went on an Easter egg hunt and saw the big bunny himself. Why run around like chickens with our heads cut off for who some call a silly rabbit? Well, Easter is a big deal. And Jesus, he’s an even a bigger deal.

ADBIBLE 001

That’s something Christians agree on–that Jesus is a very important person. But when it comes to the bunny, well, the church is divided. My close friend told me that I shouldn’t lie to my daughter and tell her a bunny brings a basket to our house in the middle of the night. At first I was torn, then I remembered that Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny created countless cherish childhood memories for me. Just because I got a basket didn’t mean my parents didn’t also give me a strong spiritual foundation. And at three months, I started taking Catilynn to church to do the same.

First Church Service

I asked my friend how he would explain the story of Christ to a toddler. I mean she digested Jesus’ birth in a manager, but his death? Now, that’s a big pill to swallow, and right now, she’s only allowed liquid and chewable medicines in her diet. I couldn’t even tell her that her fish, Bubba the Beta, bit the dust when she visited her father last week. So, how can I explain that Jesus not only died but he was also tortured and left lifeless on a cross? Then, Caitlynn and had a conversation about Resurrection Weekend. I asked her all about Easter and was quite content with her response.  She is getting to know God–one baby step at a time, which is fine by me. I want her to have her own personal relationship with Christ. I don’t want to shove my beliefs down her throat with the Cadbury eggs and marshmallow peeps I purchased. That’s why she won’t watch NBC’s 12-week series A.D. The Bible Continues when it debuts tomorrow night.

But I will tune. In fact, I’m counting down! I’ll watch (through tears) a journey that many people wouldn’t take for their blood relatives and best friends not to mention their worst enemies. Even though I know Jesus’ final destination, I’ll still take the spiritual journey through biblical history. A.D. The Bible Continues picks up where the smash hit miniseries The Bible left off, continuing the greatest story ever told and exploring the events that followed the Crucifixion of Christ. It’s a story that never gets old no matter how many centuries pass. And it’s a story that I look forward to sharing when Caitlynn is a bit older.

But for now, I won’t focus on Jesus’ death. Instead, I’ll share stories about his life. I’ll pray that his countenance is upon us and that his light shines through us. And that message is sinking in. And one day, I’ll tell her the story behind my tattoo. It says her name, which means pure in Hebrew. Meanwhile, listen to our conversation I mentioned above.

Hebrew Tattoo

Me: What happens on Easter?

Caitlynn: The Easter Bunny brings you candy and eggs in baskets. Oh, and he brings you coloring pages.

Me: Do you know who Jesus is?

Caitlynn: Jesus is God’s son.

Me: What did Jesus do?

Caitlynn: He read stories to people.

Me: Those stories were called parables.

Caitlynn: I have some of those stories over there (points to butterfly bookshelf) about God. We pray and say that I have a nice trip with daddy when I go to daddy’s house.

Me: Right, Jesus protects you.

Caitlynn: From what? Why does he protect me? I don’t need protection?

Me: Because he loves us and keeps us safe.

Caitlynn: I thought grownups keep their kids safe. What? God keeps kids safe? Well, what does the Easter Bunny do.

Me: Goodnight Caitlynn. Mommy loves you.  And Jesus does too.

You can learn more about Jesus’ great love for the world tomorrow on NBC. Be sure to follow the conversation online using #ADtheseries and connect on social media by following @ADTheSeries.

About The Author

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

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