“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster.”
“The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.”
–Stephan Hoeller
Sometimes we find it almost impossible to see things from God’s perspective. We hurt, and lash out, sometimes irrationally. We subconsciously compare our situation to others we see and admire. This is something we do almost automatically. When it feels like we are being singled out, we get angry with God. Deep down, we know better, but anger can get the best of us.
God’s business is pearl-planting. He’s simply looking for a soft heart that can be cultivated.
His intention is never to harm but to only enrich us. When Lynn and I lost our daughter, Elizabeth, the pain was incredible. We looked and saw healthy families all around us. I began to accuse God and compare us with them. We hurt, they did not, and it seemed so unfair. It’s been awfully hard. But as time moved on, I slowly felt the growth inside.
Over time it has become a pearl.
A pearl of great price, because it came to us as a result of our daughter’s tragic death.
Our lives have been injured, and perhaps my illness has exacerbated things. Maybe physical issues or pain are a definite part of your life. There is a myriad of ways we can hurt. At times we are angry. But remember, God has a plan and He also understands completely. When Jesus meets you in heaven–he will do so with nail-pierced hands.
Jesus understands you. He sees the pain.
“I wish, brothers and sisters, that we could all imitate the pearl oyster–A hurtful particle intrudes itself into its shell, and this vexes and grieves it. It cannot reject the evil, but what does it do but “cover” it with a precious substance extracted out of its own life, by which it turns the intruder into a pearl!”
“Oh, that we could do so with the provocations we receive from our fellow Christians, so that pearls of patience, gentleness, and forgiveness might be bred within us by that which otherwise would have harmed us.“
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Broken Believers 
My eldest sister passed away years ago, so I understand the pain of losing a lost one too. Even though it’s been many years already, it’s still hard at times. God is still bringing comfort and healing. The pain doesn’t really go away, but you learn to deal with it. May He continue to bring you comfort in times of need. Thank you for sharing.
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