An excerpt from the book I am writing:

I suppose I might liken anger, fear and disappointment to the slag that must be skimmed from the top of the smelter’s pot. Composed of impurities that are useless, slag holds gold captive to it’s true nature, it’s earthly condition, preventing the beauty of it’s pure essence from shining through. Faith refined by the fire of adversity no longer is plagued by fear, anger, disappointment and many other lesser evils. Refined faith prompts a person to turn to God rather than to his own plans, to sing His praises rather than pour forth lamentations. Yes, that is the kind of faith I want to have…but I believe there may be only one way to get there…by way of trial and tribulation. For me, anyway. At least that is what I keep telling myself. Seems I really should be quite shiny by now!