Broken Pieces by Cheryl Laurenza

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV 

Broken Pieces 

I'm wondering if anyone else ever feels like this? I mean. I know I do, yet we are so afraid to admit it and be seen as somehow less spiritual or less mature right? We know this truth yet our socialization in some Christian environments is still so surface and false- we are fearful of judgement, of being rejected or even worse, ignored.

I have spent a good part of my adult life ministering to broken people (and being one myself)and one of the first things you hear is that they have nowhere to go in the physical sense, for true spiritual intimacy and support. Now you might have that and utilize it well, but many do not. Yes, we look to God, but like a little girl said "sometimes I need someone with the skin on." We were built for community. Jesus knew it, the early believers knew it, so what happened? 

Let's not spend anytime on diagnosing the above, but let's accept that we are at times "hard pressed on every side"...but don't miss the next sentences...we are not supposed to be left alone to be crushed or fall into despair, as we have the abiding Presence; but perhaps God wanted us to be true family and help remove one another's sense of aloneness? Hmmm? 

In marriage, God's perfect plan (see Genesis) is for your spouse to be God's perfect plan for removing that aloneness. Single folks and those in difficult places in marriage need the body to be what it was called to be.

Why not begin to look at how you might be there for others in an appropriate way, as well as allowing others to really know you, taking off the fear based mask and trusting a safe person, or group of persons with your struggles? You'll be glad you did.

Blessings,

Cheryl Laurenza, LPC, LCMHC
For more information on aloneness in marriage or otherwise, check out Center For Relational Care out of Austin, TX or contact me via email.
calaurenza@comcast.net
www.refugecounselingcenter.org