Skip to content

While It Was Yet Dark: Seven Weeks Through Easter

Kate Bowler

ABOUT
- Meet Kate
  
  Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.
  
  ABOUT KATE
  
  Get to Know Me
  
  HUMAN
  
  AUTHOR
  
  PODCAST HOST
  
  SPEAKER
  
  How to Connect
  
  NEWSLETTER
  
  BOOKING
  
  EVENTS
  
  CONTACT
  
  PRESS
PODCAST
- Everything Happens.
  
  Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens.
  
  See All Episodes
  
  Melinda French Gates
  That Clearing in Between
  Listen Now That Clearing in Between
  Sarah Bessey
  Faith That Survives
  Listen Now Faith That Survives
  Simone Gorrindo
  The Cost of Love and Duty
  Listen Now The Cost of Love and Duty
  Jeff Chu
  Good Soil
  Listen Now Good Soil
BOOKS
- Books
  
  Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self-help, shall we? Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of seven books including three instant New York Times bestsellers.
  
  All Books
  
  Everything Happens for a Reason
  
  (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)
  
  Have a Beautiful Terrible Day!
  
  Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens
  
  No Cure for Being Human
  
  (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
RESOURCES
- Resources
  
  Our goal with Everything Happens is to create rich language and vibrant community that sustains us when life comes apart. Below, you’ll find categories that may be good starting points for you. Inside are a mix of podcasts, blessings, support guides, and bonus resources that we hope will be useful.
  
  ALL RESOURCES
  
  Types
  
  BLESSINGS
  
  DEVOTIONALS
  
  SUPPORT GUIDES
  
  COURSES
  
  FREE DOWNLOADS
  
  Discussion Guides
  
  Topics
  
  ILLNESS
  
  GRIEF
  
  WHAT NOT TO SAY
  
  RESILIENT FAITH
  
  INSPIRING LIVES
  
  NUANCED HOPE
  
  CARING AT HOME
  
  CARING AT WORK
  
  COMPLICATED FAMILIES
  
  MOVING FORWARD

The grief of losing my husband to cancer after endless rounds of chemo, radiation, life-changing surgery and a clinical trial.

Every week I usually forget most of the basics:
a) you are loved. b) life is absurd. c) it’s hard to be a human.

If you want some smart, kind, and funny encouragement to get you through your week, sign up for my newsletter. I’d love to be your reminder.

Name

First Last

Email(Required)

I’m also interested in church/ministry resources sent monthly.

I’m also interested in church/ministry resources sent monthly.

I want to receive newsletters once a month

Follow along on socials

@katecbowler

I know we don`t believe in trite platitudes and sayings around here, but I guess what they say is true about change, it`s the only consistent thing about life. BOO.

Here are five things to remember when you`re going through changes both big and small, from the ever wise @melindafrenchgates.

294 3

I know we don't believe in trite platitudes and sayings around here, but I guess what they say is true about change, it's the only consistent thing about life. BOO.

Here are five things to remember when you're going through changes both big and small, from the ever wise @melindafrenchgates.

What gets us through the hard stuff?
Melinda French Gates says: each other.

In my conversation with this iconic champion of generosity, we chat about the connections that hold us in transitions, suffering, and in the moments where we don’t know who we’re becoming…yet.

Because we were never meant to do this alone. 💕

Do you ask for help when you need it most?

#melindafrenchgates #everythinghappens #communityovercompetiton

1 0

What gets us through the hard stuff?
Melinda French Gates says: each other.

In my conversation with this iconic champion of generosity, we chat about the connections that hold us in transitions, suffering, and in the moments where we don’t know who we’re becoming…yet.

Because we were never meant to do this alone. 💕

Do you ask for help when you need it most?

#melindafrenchgates #everythinghappens #communityovercompetiton

Welcome to the next installment of "Shelf Discovery" - a series where I feature independent bookshops and their booksellers because these places aren’t just where you grab a latte and pretend to read the back of the book.

They’re real, sacred spaces full of people who know their stuff — and who just might hand you the story you didn’t know you needed.

Today`s recommendation comes from Maggie Robe at @flyleafbooks. Located in Chapel Hill, this sweet shop has been a pillar of this college town for 15 years.

Enter to win two copies of "Tilt" (one for you and one for a friend!) by following both:
- @flyleafbooks
-@katecbowler
and tagging a friend in the comments.

Consider this your invitation to log off your "recommended list" and go where the recommendations are warm and wildly human.

#indiebookstorelove #SupportIndieBookstores #bookstorelove

389 31

Welcome to the next installment of "Shelf Discovery" - a series where I feature independent bookshops and their booksellers because these places aren’t just where you grab a latte and pretend to read the back of the book.

They’re real, sacred spaces full of people who know their stuff — and who just might hand you the story you didn’t know you needed.

Today's recommendation comes from Maggie Robe at @flyleafbooks. Located in Chapel Hill, this sweet shop has been a pillar of this college town for 15 years.

Enter to win two copies of "Tilt" (one for you and one for a friend!) by following both:
- @flyleafbooks
-@katecbowler
and tagging a friend in the comments.

Consider this your invitation to log off your "recommended list" and go where the recommendations are warm and wildly human.

#indiebookstorelove #SupportIndieBookstores #bookstorelove

I really wanted @melindafrenchgates to tell me there is an easy way to get through a transitional period.

SPOILER: There isn`t one. (You can see the disappointment on my face.)

Here are her two words of advice for anyone facing a transition of any kind.

The in-between is uncomfortable. It’s not where you were, not quite where you’re going. But as Melinda reminds us, there’s growth there.

Today, this generous champion of courage is my guest on Everything Happens. We chat about being "good enough" parents, what it means to be in a truth council, and learning how to sit in the clearing.

Comment "CHANGE," and I`ll send you a link to listen to the full episode. 🎧🎙️

#melindafrenchgates #everythinghappens #thenextday

841 121

I really wanted @melindafrenchgates to tell me there is an easy way to get through a transitional period.

SPOILER: There isn't one. (You can see the disappointment on my face.)

Here are her two words of advice for anyone facing a transition of any kind.

The in-between is uncomfortable. It’s not where you were, not quite where you’re going. But as Melinda reminds us, there’s growth there.

Today, this generous champion of courage is my guest on Everything Happens. We chat about being "good enough" parents, what it means to be in a truth council, and learning how to sit in the clearing.

Comment "CHANGE," and I'll send you a link to listen to the full episode. 🎧🎙️

#melindafrenchgates #everythinghappens #thenextday

We believe that some of the best stories start not between the pages, but across a bookstore counter — where a bookseller listens and says, “You know what you need to read?”

Welcome to my new series, “Shelf Discovery.” Inspired by @indiebookstoreday (which is THIS Saturday!), I wanted to highlight some of my favorite indie bookstores and their booksellers because algorithms are fine, but people? People are better.

This new series is a love letter to the indie bookstore and I’m kicking it off with @wildgeesebookshop. I got a chance to visit this sweet shop last summer and immediately fell in love with not only the place but the owner, Tiffany.

Each post in this series will feature a brilliant bookseller, their shop, and a hand-picked title they think you’ll love. PLUS, each post will feature a giveaway of two copies of the book (one for you and one for a friend!) that’s recommended.

All you have to do to enter is make sure you’re following both:
-@katecbowler
-@wildgeesebookshop
and tag a friend in the comments!

Let’s celebrate the places and the people who still believe in stories. 🖤

#indiebookstorelove #BookstoreLove #KateBowlerCommunity #wildgeesebookshop #booksthatheal

993 109

We believe that some of the best stories start not between the pages, but across a bookstore counter — where a bookseller listens and says, “You know what you need to read?”

Welcome to my new series, “Shelf Discovery.” Inspired by @indiebookstoreday (which is THIS Saturday!), I wanted to highlight some of my favorite indie bookstores and their booksellers because algorithms are fine, but people? People are better.

This new series is a love letter to the indie bookstore and I’m kicking it off with @wildgeesebookshop. I got a chance to visit this sweet shop last summer and immediately fell in love with not only the place but the owner, Tiffany.

Each post in this series will feature a brilliant bookseller, their shop, and a hand-picked title they think you’ll love. PLUS, each post will feature a giveaway of two copies of the book (one for you and one for a friend!) that’s recommended.

All you have to do to enter is make sure you’re following both:
-@katecbowler
-@wildgeesebookshop
and tag a friend in the comments!

Let’s celebrate the places and the people who still believe in stories. 🖤

#indiebookstorelove #BookstoreLove #KateBowlerCommunity #wildgeesebookshop #booksthatheal

"This is what makes us Easter people:
carrying the hope of the Resurrected One,
singing alleluias great and small,
while it is still dark."

Happy Easter. 💕

5586 57

"This is what makes us Easter people:
carrying the hope of the Resurrected One,
singing alleluias great and small,
while it is still dark."

Happy Easter. 💕

Beyond the grief, the sorrow, the silence, love stays.

6901 102

Beyond the grief, the sorrow, the silence, love stays.

We don’t like to linger in the dark. We want resolution, resurrection, the happy ending. But Jesus walked straight into the shadows—into suffering, into sorrow—showing us that God is present even here.

7072 31

We don’t like to linger in the dark. We want resolution, resurrection, the happy ending. But Jesus walked straight into the shadows—into suffering, into sorrow—showing us that God is present even here.

If you are reading this you have great eyesight. But also, thanks for being a person with me. The world is strange and hard for soft-hearted humans, but I think you’re a delight.

© 2025 Kate Bowler
Development by Penner Web Design

About
Resources
Contact
Podcasts
Books
Mural
Upcoming Events
Newsletter
Blessings

Everything Happens.

Browse by topic

Complicated Families

grief

resilient faith

what not to say

moving forward

Illness

nuanced hope

caring at home

inspiring lives

caring at work

Make your inbox a little more human.

Sign up below to receive a weekly email from Kate Bowler every Wednesday.

Name

First Last

Email(Required)

Other emails we have available:

I’m interested in ministry / church resources sent monthly.

I want to receive newsletters once a month.

ABOUT
- Meet Kate
  
  Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.
  
  ABOUT KATE
  
  Get to Know Me
  
  HUMAN
  
  AUTHOR
  
  PODCAST HOST
  
  SPEAKER
  
  How to Connect
  
  NEWSLETTER
  
  BOOKING
  
  EVENTS
  
  CONTACT
  
  PRESS
PODCAST
- Everything Happens.
  
  Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens.
  
  See All Episodes
  
  Melinda French Gates
  That Clearing in Between
  Listen Now That Clearing in Between
  Sarah Bessey
  Faith That Survives
  Listen Now Faith That Survives
  Simone Gorrindo
  The Cost of Love and Duty
  Listen Now The Cost of Love and Duty
  Jeff Chu
  Good Soil
  Listen Now Good Soil
BOOKS
- Books
  
  Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self-help, shall we? Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of seven books including three instant New York Times bestsellers.
  
  All Books
  
  Everything Happens for a Reason
  
  (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)
  
  Have a Beautiful Terrible Day!
  
  Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens
  
  No Cure for Being Human
  
  (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
RESOURCES
- Resources
  
  Our goal with Everything Happens is to create rich language and vibrant community that sustains us when life comes apart. Below, you’ll find categories that may be good starting points for you. Inside are a mix of podcasts, blessings, support guides, and bonus resources that we hope will be useful.
  
  ALL RESOURCES
  
  Types
  
  BLESSINGS
  
  DEVOTIONALS
  
  SUPPORT GUIDES
  
  COURSES
  
  FREE DOWNLOADS
  
  Discussion Guides
  
  Topics
  
  ILLNESS
  
  GRIEF
  
  WHAT NOT TO SAY
  
  RESILIENT FAITH
  
  INSPIRING LIVES
  
  NUANCED HOPE
  
  CARING AT HOME
  
  CARING AT WORK
  
  COMPLICATED FAMILIES
  
  MOVING FORWARD