Carol McClain

God Can Create Beauty from Tragedy

By: Carol McClain @carol_mcclain

“(He has called me) To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” Is. 61:3 KJV.

My friends and I hike the Smokies which, in 2016, suffered a massive wildfire covering 15,000 acres and claiming seven lives. The park is still recovering from this undeniably tragic event.

But in recent months, we’ve traveled trails that have opened up new vistas. Mountains we couldn’t see stand in all their glory. New pines backlit by the sun glisten like Christmas trees. On Baskins Creek trail, we witnessed new growth sprouting from charred trunks. The fire–deadly and frightful–is bringing in beauty.

And so, too, will God restore those that mourn, those who are struggling–the weak and the hurting. Turn to Him and trust. Glory is coming.

 

My soon-to-be-released book (as all of my books, really) demonstrates this truth. In Borrowed Lives, A women beset by unspeakable tragedy finds three abandoned children.

In the midst of sorrow, they find laughter, peace,and healing–even when they don’t believe it’ll ever come.

You’ll love the book. (see my book page for more).