The Beauty of Brokenness

While Social Media is a tool used these days to keep us connected, it can also divide us. The pics and posts that fill our timelines show enviable images of those we idolize and we imagine their perfect lives. What is shown invites us into their worlds and we feel connected to them.

Day after day, we see perfect relationships, perfect homes, perfect vacations, and of course, perfect babies. So, we do our best to present our own piece of perfection. We spend more time taking the right picture than we do enjoying the moment.  We edit our updates and statuses so they sound just right. We cover every flaw and work at presenting our best lives.

But maybe we’ve got it all wrong… What if our best self wasn’t perfect? No real surprise there… Most of us have already come to that conclusion. What if our imperfections tell the truth of who we are? Can we share that part of ourselves flaws and all?

I recently found myself pondering this reading the daily bible reading from August 30^th. In 2 Corinthians 4, the writer Paul speaks to the work God is doing in the lives of believers. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. KJV

 The light that Paul speaks of shines the brightest through our brokenness. Through the visible places of weakness and strain, the light can radiate from our hearts as a witness that God provides strength to weak and help for the helpless. Paul goes on to call this light a treasure that brings glory to God the source of this life-giving light.

I, like so many, strive to look good, perform well, and smile. But, infertility has challenged me to the core. I’ve decided to share this challenge and allow God to get the glory in the midst of this circumstance. I’ve had days where I’ve felt anything but strong. But, it’s my heart’s desire to be transparent that I might point to the source of my strength, my relationship with God.

I’m encouraging you to share your flaws rather than hiding them that God might be seen in your brokenness. Then we can encourage others with our truth and free them from the isolating prison that can be perfection. We can bond together through common experiences. Most importantly, we can point those who are hurting to the healing that is available to all at the cross of Jesus.

HOPE-Filled Thought: God desires to use our brokenness for His glory and for our good.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you love us enough to help us right where we are. Allow us to trust this love that welcomes our pain and works to heal every hurt. We invite your Spirit to make us new and bring glory to your name. We receive your love with joy and it is so. Amen.