What do you do when your entire world collapses — not once, but again and again?
In this powerful episode of When You Look, Lara Silverman, J.D. shares the stunning true story behind her eight-year battle with a mysterious neurological illness, the loss of her dream legal career, the miracle love story God wrote in the midst of her suffering, and the heartbreaking death of her husband Matt.
Lara was a Stanford-trained attorney on her way to becoming a federal prosecutor when her body suddenly went haywire. Overnight, she went from courtroom-ready to completely bedridden — unable to sit up, walk, or care for herself. For years, she lived on a bedpan, in constant pain, while her world spun 24/7.
Then God brought a man into her room — literally — and wrote a love story no one could script. A biochemical engineer, youth pastor, and cancer patient himself, Matt became her joy in the fire. They married, ministered together, and trusted God together… until Matt went home to Jesus one year later.
In this emotional, raw, and faith-anchoring conversation, Lara reveals:
• How she wrestled honestly with anger and bitterness toward God
• The theology of suffering that transformed her faith
• What “acceptance” really looks like when God doesn’t heal
• The morning-after miracle verse God gave her the day Matt died
• Why she still believes God is good — even without answers
• How her story inspired her memoir Singing Through Fire
👉 If you’re walking through grief, chronic illness, unanswered prayers, or a season that makes no sense… this episode will meet you right where you are.
Lara's Links
Book https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Through-Fire-Finding-Surprising/dp/B0FMQZ264W
YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/TDcUeQrbVZk
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larapalanjian/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman
Episodes Mick Mentioned
Episode 029 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7cuY5PmBcc
Episode 018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2-6v1HdD8w
When You Look Links
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@WhenYouLookShow
Be a Guest https://www.whenyoulook.com/beaguest
Website https://www.whenyoulook.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whenyoulookshow/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whenyoulookshow/
Chapters
0:29 - Meet Lara Silverman
2:54 - Unexplained Neurological Illness
5:54 - From Bad to Worse
10:05 - Called to Acceptance
13:42 - Meeting Matt Silverman
17:15 - Bedridden Bride
18:33 - Matt Dies
19:47 - Purpose in Suffering
23:17 - Having It Out With God
29:42 - Lara's Theology Change
33:25 - Acceptance
35:21 - Isaiah 55
39:07 - How God Communicates
40:06 - How Do You Hear from God?
42:10 - It's Not Confirmation Bias
44:40 - How Mick Hears from God
47:12 - How God Kept Lara a Christian
49:17 - Hope of Christ
52:54 - Read the Bible Every Today
56:11 - Coincidence or God?
58:07 - How Has Your Life Changed?
59:32 - Lara's Book: Singing Through Fire
1:02:24 - Lara's Unique Calling
1:03:50 - Evidence of God