Sometimes as we see news, social media, shoot, just life being life -- joy feels impossible, at best, and maybe even inconsiderate, at worst.

How can I continue on hoping and happy when so much evil and loss and heartbreak is happening around me or to me?

Scott Sauls, senior pastor of my church here in Nashville, has faced his share of personal hurts and regrets (the opening words to his latest book are him saying, “You suck,” to himself).

He’s walked through his own suffering with anxiety and depression as well as pastored his congregation, family, and friends for nearly 3 decades.The good news Scott has to offer? Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen – the title of his latest book. His whole message to readers and listeners is, as its subtitle reads, how God redeems regret, hurt, and fear in the making of better humans.

The bad stuff that happens is always raw material for God to bring forth the best stuff in us, if we let him.Some key points from Scott:

• Why gentleness in conflict speaks pretty loudly these days.
• How shame and regret can bring us into richer relationship with God.
• The power of beholding and abiding.
• How to live fully in a tragic place.

Part of why I love Scott is he’s not afraid to tell the truth about all that sucks in this life. But that honest lament is always followed by joyful defiance, inexhaustible hope, and the reminder that our best days are never behind us; they’re always ahead of us.

Follow Scott here: https://www.instagram.com/scottsauls/