Pastor Rick Warren released a video addressing his son’s suicide in one of the most direct manners since his death last year.

Warren told those viewing the video that the answer to everyone who has asked him how he and his wife made it through that difficult time in their lives was a simple promise:  the promise of Easter.

Warren said that looking at the story of Easter through the lens of the three days is key for Christians working through the most difficult times of their lives.  When we face tragedy, we’re facing the Friday when Jesus died and those following Him felt the loss of the one they truly loved.  Once the shock passes, it’s like Saturday, where we look around wondering what to do and how to go on.   Then Sunday arrives with a new hope because of the eternal life that arrives through the resurrection of Jesus.

He said that as Christians we will face those three days repeatedly over our lifetimes and that we need to focus on reaching the joy and victory that comes through our risen Lord Jesus.

Warren said the message he is delivering this Easter regarding his recovery from his son’s suicide and the importance of Christ’s resurrection is the most important of his entire ministry.