“The Coming” December 5

Brokenness never need be the final chapter.  

Broken:  crushed, dispirited, discouraged, humbled.  

I've been meditating on the song I posted yesterday,  click here if you missed it, and reflecting on my own brokenness and the stories I've heard from others.   

This season is particularly challenging for those who have experienced deep loss.  The scenes on the street and in media are shouting abundance, celebration and merry making, none of which are felt when we feel broken.  

So, what's a broken person to do during this season?  

Drink

Shop

Eat

It seems to be what everyone else is doing.  Each has definite numbing qualities although one must wake up in the morning! 

If brokenness isn't going to be the final chapter, a different path must be worn. 

I can't give you a map and say "walk this way" however, I can share what I've experienced and observed.

1. The first step is the hardest.  Create space in your life to heal.  Don't simply put the broken pieces back together, unless you want to create the same scenario again.  Deep healing requires a deep cleaning of body, mind, spirit which requires space and time.  

2. Accept your brokenness and don't be afraid to face the truth of what's been shattered.  Embrace it. It's a part of your story.  

3. Don't be afraid to get down on your knees, literally or figuratively, and pour your heart out before a god that cares for you.  Did you know there was a prophet in ancient times whose name was Isaiah.  He told about the coming of a new kind of King whose name would be Mighty Counselor, Prince of Peace, Father,  "God with us" and Jesus.   This "Might Counselor" prophesied about centuries before his birth is the person we celebrate in "The Coming."  Noticed he wasn't called Judge, Condemner, Critic.  Those are simply the names we've ascribed to him.  

4. Find a friend, coach, pastor, counselor, therapist with whom to share your experience.   

5. Be willing to make unpopular decisions for your well-being.  Your future depends upon it.   Begin saying "yes" to yourself.  If you're a woman, chances are you have logged countless hours saying "yes" to your family, your boss and all the other every-bodies in your life.  

6. Be open to new possibilities and new perspectives.  "While my friend always spoke about the sun, I kept speaking about the clouds, until one day I realized that it was the sun that allowed me to see the clouds."  Henri Nouwen

 

"The Coming" is an invitation to new life.  If you're stuck in brokenness and discouragement, I invite you to be the hero of your own story by saying "YES" to yourself this season?  

I welcome your stories on my blog via the comments.