If you’ve struggled with how why losing a father is so hard, you’ll take comfort and relate to Mary’s story.

Sonya Joy Mack had dreams for her and her mother’s future together filled with milestones and travels. But a grim diagnosis changed everything. After years of grieving and asking God for answers, she found that her pain served a greater purpose.

Jana Fraley’s life revolved around helping her parents on their ranch in Wyoming. Her world was upended when her mother died suddenly. Eventually, God helped her find peace on her family’s land.

In a year full of ups and downs, Polly Garrett’s search for her fraternal grandmother ended with devastating results. With a little help from her family and God, she was able to find the light through a season of darkness.

Growing up, Juliana Gordon thought she was a perfect Christian. Then she attended a university where seeds of doubt about God took root. She came to realize she wasn’t “perfect” because only God is, and she found strength in humility.

Heather was born with a prominent birthmark on her face, a source of bullying and pain. And yet, she found peace with how God created her: beautifully in his image.

Ellyse Ellsbury, 14, grew up in an orphanage in China. The experience left her angry — until God shared a dream that changed her perspective and gave her a new mission, to help others without family.