In the darkness of frustration and sorrow, you can glean life's rarest treasures. If pain comes to you, see that it leaves something more than ugly scars. If some handicap visits you, don't lie down and lose the race — fight on and win spiritual victory. If trouble comes, don't simply shed tears. With God's help, turn your distress into a blessing.

Thoughts by the late Rev. Paul Osumi are selected weekly by his family.