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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: There’s a dark shadow that has fallen over me after experiencing the loss of loved ones and my own personal illness. I would prefer much more the afterglow of sunny days that would light my way to a more peaceful life. I know people have come through tough times and emerged stronger and even happier people, but I don’t know that this will be my experience. – S.S.

A: A happy life is not one filled only with sunshine but one that uses light and shadow to produce beauty. It’s been said that all the masterpieces of art contain both light and shadow. The greatest musicians, as a rule, are those who know how to bring songs out of sadness. The great hymn writer Fanny Crosby, her spirit aglow with faith in Christ, saw more with her [blinded] eyes than most of us do with normal vision. She wrote approximately 2,000 hymns that live on to encourage others and praise God.

Paul and Silas sang their song of praise at midnight in a rat-infested jail in Philippi, their feet in stocks, their backs raw from the jailer’s whip. But their patience in suffering and persecution led to the conversion of the heathen prison warden. It is true also of the martyrs whose blood is mixed well into the mortar which holds the stones of civilization together.

The sorrow of God’s people through the centuries has contributed immeasurably to our culture, to our ethics, and to our faith. The novelist Thornton Wilder, who said, “I’ve never forgotten, [for long] that living is a struggle,” is the same man who wrote, “Without your wounds, where would your power be that sends your low voice trembling into the hearts of men?”

Scripture reminds us of God’s Word: “I have covered you with the shadow of My hand” (Isaiah 51:16, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.