From Fear to Faith. Joel L. Watts

and struggles are endless and the resources and time seem scarce, and I realize that I could not be where I am and hold the hope that I have had I not come from and through so much pain and brokenness. There is such joy in confessing my brokenness to the broken; I know this is how God has worked all those things for good.

      I admit I still often feel overwhelmed, unsure, confused, and life has not gotten miraculously easier for us. But now, when I feel myself filling with fear or doubt, I close my eyes and see a sepia Jesus come to life: The browns and beiges turn to crimson stains and his handsome face takes on the reality of one less remarkable, though badly beaten. His eyes close, then open, and he is no longer looking far way but right at me. His wounds heal before my eyes. His hand is upon my shoulder, his peace washes over me, and he knows that in my heart I still long to acknowledge he is there, even in places where people don’t talk about him. He is alive and at last, so am I.