"Seeing Through the Tears"

Not too long ago, while speaking at a Guidelight Disability Retreat, I was approached by a young mother who was struggling with the severe disability of her son.

I had just spoken about the promise of the resurrection and the hope of a glorified new body from Philippians 3:20-21—a hope that we all look forward to, but perhaps one that those walking through the valley of disability cling to more deeply. It is a resurrection of broken bodies, broken hearts, broken dreams, and a broken world, all restored in the promise and presence of Christ.

When this young mother approached me, I instantly recognized that familiar look on her face. I’ve seen it countless times before, not just on strangers, but even in the mirror. It’s the look of desperation, a mix of hopelessness and exhaustion, all wrapped up in despair. She looked at me and said, ‘I understand what you’re saying, but I’m drowning. I’m at my wits’ end. I want to believe it, but I can’t see it through all the tears.’

Her words reminded me why we preach the gospel at these retreats. The gospel that says, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I (Jesus) will give you rest."

Her words also reminded me of the story of another woman—a woman who was desperate, hopeless, exhausted, and at her wits’ end. She wanted to believe, but she couldn’t see Jesus, until she saw the resurrection through her tears.