Jesus knows the burdens we carry and the tears we shed, but He is the healer of broken hearts, broken dreams, and broken lives. Trust him. He never fails.

Our pain carves out a larger space for love to fill.

When we grieve over someone who has died in Christ, we are sorrowing not for them, but for ourselves. Our grief isn't a sign of weak faith, but of great love.

Your difficulty, your disease, your conflict are preparing you to be a voice of encouragement to your brothers.

If you do not transform your pain, you will surely transmit it. —RICHARD ROHR

God has given us peace in our pain. He covers us all the time. Even when we are out of control, he is still there.

No wonder Chelsea's memory had become her greatest weapon, a sword she wielded, wounding others to protect herself. For decades she had waged this war, but at what cost? Now she stood alone on the battlefield, bleeding and bruised. There were no victors in this war, and Chelsea counted herself among the casualties.

Imagine Jesus today: He is leaning over, bending down close to someone who is hurt. He's listening. His eyes fill with tears as He hears that person's troubles. Then His hand gently brushes away a tear. He was hurt once too. He understands.

Love extends an olive leaf to the loved one and says, "I have hope in you." Love is just as quick to say, "I have hope for you." You can say those words. You are a flood survivor. By God's grace you have found your way to dry land. You know what it's like to see the waters subside. And since you do, since you passed through a flood and lived to tell about it, you are qualified to give hope to someone else.

I keep thinking of all the people who cast despairing eyes toward the dark heavens and cry "Why?" And I imagine him. I imagine him listening. I picture his eyes misting and a pierced hand brushing away a tear. And although he may offer no answer, although he may solve no dilemma, although the question may freeze painfully in midair, he who also was once alone, understands.

Ponder this the next time your world goes from calm to chaos… . Jesus knows how you feel.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. MATTHEW 5:4