We are all broken, and that’s all right. The message of a dying Messiah on a cross communicates suffering, and brokenness is an intrinsic component of life. Yet, in the ache of our broken hearts and the company of unrelenting grief, we may also experience that life is full of expectation and joy.
When our hearts are broken open, we may replace the brokenness with love, compassion, and hope and not fill it with self-pity and bitterness. In our brokenness and pain, we have a choice to either embrace life or become victims forever. In trying to answer whether there is a loving God that appears to allow untold suffering, we may discover a hope within us to live without regret. (Life Lessons: Two experts on death and dying teach us the mysteries of Life and Living)
The cross represents everything that is wrong with the world. It symbolizes the death of our dreams, hopes, and aspirations for our lives. Yet the message of the cross proclaims there is hope beyond all our suffering and pain.
So, I choose to believe that on a wooden cross of shame, a grace-filled servant King died identifying with our suffering and pain to lead us into communion with Him. I trust the love of God conquers all my pain, suffering, and eventual death. I wager my life on the gamble love wins.
Even when it is dark, the sun still shines.
Even when I am alone, love is always waiting in the stillness.
Even when I am suffering, there is hope.
Even when I die, there is the promise of everlasting life,
and as Job proclaims in the Old Testament, even though He
slays me, I know my redeemer lives. (MY COMFORT)
Our brokenness makes us either bitter or grateful. (Gratitude and the most remarkable man I know) I accept I am a broken person who lives with other broken people. That brokenness creates either more pain or provides an opportunity to grow and experience life with profound gratitude. I choose the latter.
Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;
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