“In our lives the darkest times, the days that are bleak and black, add depth to every other experience. Like the dark bits of color in a mosaic, they add the contrast and shadows that give beauty to the whole, but they are just a small part of the big picture.” Amy Grant, Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far
This phrase hits me personally. I think back to the worst times of my life. Sexual abuse. My abortion. My baby brother’s cancer. Is it true they are just a small part in the big picture?
Somewhere deep within, I believe they are. Yet they are big too. Like Grant, I believe the hardest times have actually produced a little beauty to my whole. By that I mean, I hurt deeply for others who suffer, whether it’s physical, emotional or spiritual darkness. I cry with just about anyone who cries. Tears flow easily. I know what it is like to feel the loss of a baby, the overwhelming, self-hatred and guilt. I know what it’s like to see my three-year-old brother cry with mouth sores from radiation. Without a sound, only tears, red cheeks, and spit splattering from his tracheotomy. I know what it’s like to wonder why I ever responded to a modeling call when I was thirteen. The shame. The fear. The outrage.
I also know what it’s like to find hope and healing!
I believe our experiences can make us bitter or better. I choose better.
Thank you, God, for loving me through each and every dark, bleak place and seeing me through to the light! Where freedom, peace, and joy reign. Comfort those who are in a dark place. Be their comforter. Bring peace.
For more thoughts on Amy Grant’s quote, visit Elisa at Extravagant Grace. Why not join in on this week’s quote and post your thoughts today too?
Bless you for being a blessing.
Tiffany, thank you for sharing your thoughts so transparently! Yes, I know from personal experience with dark days, it is either bitter or better. I choose better, too! Praise the Lord! Let’s march on together, allowing God to make the mosaic of our lives radiant with His light!
Beautiful, Tiffany. I love the way you expressed this.
It’s so important not to trivialize the pain and dark days as something “little.” You are right – they’re big too. But we can choose to be bitter or better. That’s where the beauty comes in.
Tiffany, Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am glad you were able to see the Light of God through it all ~
What a blessing, Tiffany, you are to so many people, not just our family. I am so proud to have you as a daughter-in-law.
Hi Tiffany,
Your post was beautiful. I could not agree with you more, our experiences make us bitter or better.
You’ve been through so much, and I would of never known.
One of my favorite scriptures is found in Psalm 84:6:
“Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings.”
Looks like you’ve taken those valley’s and made it into beautiful springs for others to enjoy. God truly makes ALL things beautiful, in His time.
So blessed to have met you!
Susan
I choose better, too. You are a gift, Tiffany.
God is in the business of giving beauty from ashes if we’d just let him, and sounds like you are! Your light shines brightly!
God bless!
Isn’t it amazing how God doesn’t waste anything in our lives but turns it into good for us and/or others around us. You are such a blessing to me Tiffany. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I remember once when things were tough and sleep wouldn’t come. I was waiting for Jennifer to come home. I knew something was wrong and all I could do was cry and pray, then God spoke and reminded me that the dark is always the darkest just before the dawn. She arrived safe as that first rosy glow of new light hit the mountain. The thought has sustained me through many of life’s trials when God has answered and pulled me through to Praise Him another day.
You are a blessing to many Tiffany.