I cried out to the Lord, telling him how this felt colossally unfair. I ended by declaring, “I can’t live like this for the rest of my life. I just can’t do it!” I felt frustrated and angry and overwhelmed all at the same time. I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life with the physical struggles I had today.

When each day feels like an insurmountable struggle, and the present is all-consuming, it’s hard to imagine anything good can come out of my story.

After 50 years of quadriplegia, Joni Eareckson Tada is even more aware of God's grace. I am in awe, not of Joni, but of the amazing God she joyfully serves.

Those four words that have guided me through the darkest days. They have given me clarity and strength when I needed it and direction when I felt overwhelmed.

I've discouraged suffering friends by minimizing their pain, comparing them to others, and delivering stirring mini-sermons on what they should do.

If I knew God would eventually answer my prayer with “yes,” waiting would be easier. But when the wait seems endless and I’m not sure if there’s any point to it anyway, it feels excruciating.

Our authenticity draws others to God, allowing them to be honest too. God invites our lament as He knows our tendency to pretend we are fine or to walk away, disillusioned.

My extraordinary failure stripped away everything I had been clinging to. And in the destruction of those accomplishments that had previously defined me, God did a radical work.

When my plans go awry, I always want to believe that I have just taken a detour. Maybe it’s a long one, but I hope I’ll soon return to the way things used to be…

Replacing “what if” with “even if” is one of the most liberating exchanges I have ever made. I’ve seen that even if the worst happens, God will carry me.