November 21, 2025 Sorrow to Joy
Sorrow to Joy
“I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
Jeremiah 31:13 (NIV)
Last year was a hard season for me personally. There were many tears, fears, and worries but the Lord carried me through every bit of it. God truly knows me better than I know myself. He pieced together parts of my story I didn’t even know existed, opening doors I never dreamed would be available in a place I thought wasn’t for me.
Where I am now feels like biscuits and gravy. If you’re a true Texan, you know exactly what that means. But if not, think comfort, home, authenticity, fun, easygoing, and enjoyable. That’s the warmth of biscuits and gravy season. My tears have turned from turmoil to joy, my fear to restoration, and my worry to confidence all because of His love, grace, mercy, truth, forgiveness, and salvation.
One of my dearest friends has walked through her own season of tears of turmoil. We’ve been in the thick of it together, sometimes sharing the same struggles, sometimes just listening, and other times simply understanding each other without a word. Many tears have fallen over things we couldn’t control, but we’ve supported each other through it all. It’s like a little club that only the two of us can belong to.
She will soon be the Mother of the Groom. I found handkerchiefs embroidered with “Happy Tears” in blue with two hearts and delicate design. I thought of her journey climbing out of that pit of turmoil with prayer, boundaries, and the Lord’s help. I thought of how she encourages me, cheers me on, and walks beside me through it all too.
Her son’s wedding is a beautiful picture of love, joy and legacy. A reflection of the devotion she and her husband have poured into their family of four but now five. It’s also a testimony that the strength of the Lord will carry you, transform you, and change your focus. Her ministry is a source of strength and wisdom to her husband, sons, and now daughter-in-law.
Never underestimate the power of a praying momma.
Reflect: God promises to turn our mourning into gladness not just to remove sorrow, but to transform it. We look back and we see His fingerprints all over the journey. How He carried us through, brought people alongside us, and turned the tears we cried in pain into “happy tears” of joy. When was the last time you paused to thank Him for what He’s brought you through? Trust that He is already at work. Your tears today may be the seeds of tomorrow’s laughter.
Pray: Lord Jesus, Thank you for the tears of the wilderness so we truly know the tears of joy. They are refreshing water instead of drowning rain. Thank you for guiding us through the thorns so we can appreciate the softness of the petals.
Keep Praying,
Lesley Henry
PUMC Member