One day the lens of retrospection will come into focus, and we will see clearly the beauty and redemption that was woven into our darkest days.
Those times we most struggled – when our faith was tested, our hearts were broken or we felt lost and defeated by the harsh realities of life … we couldn’t see all the light that illuminated us then because we were so consumed by the shadows.
We have heard it before, but we don’t always understand until we face it ourselves, but our most transformative experiences are rarely lovely or radiant. They are dark and painful and exhausting.
But on most occasions, we are found and forged in these moments of pain and suffering. Our resolve and resilience are fortified in the valley of darkness and despair. It’s here we unknowingly develop our potential, our character and integrity.
Our faith is often found on the crucible of conflict.
And that really is beautiful … Even if we can only ever appreciate its beauty and redeeming effect on our lives in retrospect.
People don’t always tell you that the Road to Redemption is often found in the Valley of the Shadow of Death …
But it is.
– Mackenzie Free –
Wife, mother, photographer & current resident of the unassumingly magical town of Steele, Alabama
