He Is Risen — And That Changes Everything

By Clarissa Williams
CEO & Owner| Reaves-Williams Publishing Group
Every year, I write an Easter column.
I usually reminisce about growing up — dressing in pastels, hearing the choir sing, the warmth of Sunday service, and Easter meals shared with family. I also think often of the sweet memories my husband and I made as we raised our children, Bethany and Cameron — taking them to church, celebrating with our church family, and enjoying big gatherings around the dinner table.
But this year, I feel led to share something deeper. I want to talk about belief — and the power of hope in uncertain times.
Easter, at its heart, is about Resurrection Sunday — a moment that changed everything. A moment that rewrote history and offers to rewrite each of our stories. In a world where chaos and fear are often pushed through the news cycle, I can’t let this opportunity pass without offering something different: a message of joy, renewal, and truth.
I’ve never had what I’d call an “easy life,” but I also wouldn’t say it’s been a hard one. Life, in many ways, is what you make it. You can choose to focus on the good, the bad, or the ugly. I’m not saying we should ignore hard truths or challenging moments — they matter. But how we respond to them defines who we are.
I’ve always told my children, Bethany and Cameron: “You can be influenced… or you can be the influencer.”
Now that they’re adults, I often hear echoes of that truth come back from them — in their leadership, their conversations, and their desire to make a difference. 
It reminds me that what we plant in faith and love can grow far beyond our reach.
As a follower of Christ, I hope my life reflects the kind of peace, strength, and grace that only comes from Him — especially when the world feels uncertain.
Lately, I’ve noticed a growing sense of fear pushed in mainstream narratives — especially around the economy, tariffs, and trade. But I want to share what I truly believe:
Everything is going to be okay.
I believe President Trump is doing a good job laying the foundation for a stronger future — not just for America, but for the world. I believe in this country. I believe in God’s timing. And I believe that the best days are still ahead.  (Even if you don’t agree politically, I hope you’ll find encouragement in the faith and hope this column offers).
Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Even when it feels like we’re standing in the eye of the storm, we are never alone.
Romans 8:18 speaks to my soul: “The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” That’s what keeps me grounded. The dark before the dawn… the tension before the breakthrough — it’s all leading somewhere. And for those who believe in Christ, the story doesn’t end in fear. It ends in victory.
In closing, I’d like to extend a heartfelt invitation: If you’ve never been to church — or if you go every week... CHRIST is waiting for you.
He will pursue you with love and grace, and my hope is that this column helps you find your way back to that hope. Or maybe it encourages you to read this as inspiration — a reminder to be the influencer, and bring someone with you. Bring someone into the light of what this season truly holds: life, love, and renewal.
Happy Easter, Clarissa