He Walked—So I Could Rise

By Marissa Kay | Valor & Virtue

There’s something about Holy Week that just hits different every single year.

It’s not about tradition.
It’s not about pastel outfits, chocolate bunnies, or perfectly posed family photos.
I didn’t grow up chasing eggs—I grew up chasing something real.
And during Holy Week… I find it again.

Because this isn’t just a story we remember.
It’s the story that saved my life.

This Week, I Feel It All.

The weight of the cross.
The wonder of mercy.
The weeping over sin.
And the wild, unstoppable love of a Savior who chose to suffer for us—when He could’ve called down angels instead.

The world barely slows down.
People keep scrolling, shopping, working like it’s any other week.
But not me.
I slow my soul way down… because this week?
It’s personal.

Palm Sunday

The King of Glory rode in—not on a war horse, but on a humble donkey.
He knew He was riding toward rejection, not a throne.
Toward a cross, not a crown.
And He still showed up.

The same people who shouted “Hosanna!” on Sunday would yell “Crucify Him!” by Friday.
And still… He came.

Holy Monday to Wednesday

He taught the truth.
He healed the hurting.
He wept with the broken.
He flipped tables in righteous anger.
He didn’t waste a moment—because love doesn’t wait when eternity’s on the line.

Maundy Thursday

He knelt low and washed the feet of His friends—
Even the one who would betray Him.
That kind of love?
It breaks me.
It reminds me that real love serves, even when it hurts.

Good Friday

Even typing this makes my breath catch.
He hung there… for me.
For every sin I’ve ever carried.
For every moment I felt unseen, unworthy, unloved.

He took my place and whispered, “It is finished.”
Not I am finished—
But shame is.
Sin is.
Separation is.

Holy Saturday

The day in between.
The silence. The stillness.
The waiting when it feels like hope is buried.
But God has a habit of doing His best work in tombs.

So if you’re in a waiting season…
Hold on.
Resurrection is closer than it feels.

Resurrection Sunday

He got up.
With ALL power.
With MY freedom.
With YOUR victory.

This isn’t just religion.
It’s relationship.
It’s redemption.
It’s real.

If You’re Feeling It Too…

If this week makes your soul quiet…
If your heart feels heavy and holy all at once…
You’re not alone. I see you. God sees you.

We walk through Holy Week with reverence—not because we’re sad…
But because we remember what it cost.
And we praise Him for what it bought.

I will never be the same—
And honestly?
I don’t want to be.

Because He walked… so I could rise.