Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35,37

 

One of the most inspirational people to ever live was born without the ability to see or hear. Her name was Helen Keller.

 

It’s hard to imagine the silent darkness of Helen Keller’s world– the loneliness and frustration of hearing and seeing nothing. Helen didn’t learn how to communicate until she was seven years old, thanks to the persistent patience of her teacher, as well as her own tenacity! She became the first blind and deaf person to earn a college degree, writing many books that inspired others facing disabilities and challenges[1] Looking back on her life and what had shaped her courage and character, Helen said, “I thank God for my handicaps for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God”[2]

 

The victory that God desires to work in our lives may look very different than what we may have imagined. Helen Keller never saw or heard in this life, but she lived a life of love and influence, in what she called an infinite state of hope.

 

Our losses, challenges, and trials can lead to disbelief and bitterness or lead to faith and love. God offers us hope in every circumstance. The Bible says, “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?… No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:35,37).

 

Not even the silent darkness of Helen Keller’s life could separate her from the light of Jesus’s love. Like Helen, we can find courage, God’s love, and purpose in even the most challenging circumstances.

 

[1] “Becoming Helen Keller.” American Masters, season 35, episode 11, PBS, 25 October 2021.

 

[2] Keller, Helen. “The Story of My Life.” Edited by Roger Shattuck, New York, W.W. Norton & Company, 2003, p. 129.