Our Family's Word for 2018

Every year for the past several years I’ve identified a word for the year. I used to only choose a word for our church. Now I choose a word for our church and a word for our family. In the past the word has often been based on a concept or an idea that I couldn’t get off my mind. It usually spawned from lessons The Lord was teaching me the final couple months of the previous year. I’ve always want this word to provide us with a unified sense of purpose and direction for the coming year - in one case for our volunteers and staff, and in the other for my family.

Answering More of Your Questions on Life, Death, Grief and Loss (Part 2)

Time constraints didn’t allow us to answer every question that was texted in during our live Q&A, but I decided to take the best 5 questions we didn’t answer and give my best explanations right here on the blog. You can see the answers to questions 1-3 on a post from earlier this week. I'll answer questions 4 and 5 today. I hope this helps to provide healing and hope in your situation.

Question & AnswerDavey BlackburnSeptember 21, 2016Grief, Loss, Tragedy, Pain, Purpose, Questions, Life, Family, Byars, Parenting, Relationships, MarraigeComment

Answering More of Your Questions on Life, Death, Grief and Loss (Part 1)

Last Sunday I invited Amanda’s family to join me on stage and answer questions about life, death, grief and loss. It was an incredibly healing time for all of us. We laughed, cried, and processed in real time. It’s always been a value in our church to be authentic and real about where you’re at and how Jesus is walking you in next steps and I believe that applies from the top/down of leadership. Thank you for letting us be real with you!

Question & AnswerDavey BlackburnSeptember 19, 2016Grief, Family, Loss, Amanda, Byars Family, Parenting, Marriage Comments

Tuesday Nights

Sometimes you don’t have an explanation for it. It defies reason. It defies logic. It’s no respecter of time or appointments. It doesn’t take into consideration conversations you’re needing to have, situations you’re needing to save-face for. Grief. Agonizing, gut-wrenching grief.

Grief & LossDavey BlackburnJuly 7, 2016Grief, Family, Pain, waves Comments

Easter - Guest post by Amber Wilkinson (Amanda’s Sister)

This picture was taken almost 28 years ago on Easter Sunday. It was the most beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping. I can even remember folding my lace-trimmed socks down over my white patent leather shoes.

Guest PostDavey BlackburnMay 20, 2016sister, Easter, Family, Byars, Amanda Comments

Weston, I Want to Tell You about Your Mommy

Yesterday I took Weston to Amanda’s gravesite for the first time. I thought it fitting to begin a new Mother’s Day tradition with him. Needless to say it was very painful. Her headstone wasn't set yet, and he certainly didn’t understand what I was trying to tell him. But I wanted him to know more about his mommy.