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

Garlands of Grace ~ A Guest Post from Dorothy Johnson

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12

I often walk in the cool of the morning when we vacation at the beach. Although the places we go aren’t noted for large shells, I invariably return with a handful of small ones. I love the diversity of designs and find pleasure in even the tiniest specimen.

One morning, I noticed that many of the shells swept in by the tide still held a bit of water that sparkled in the sun. My thoughts turned to God’s promise that when we trust in Jesus, we become vessels of His living water, offering refreshment to others.

However, as I continued on my way, I also saw lots of empty shells. On close examination, I found most had a perfectly round hole that looked as if it had been drilled there. Any water they held when they landed on the beach had quickly drained out. They were lovely, and in some cases, the openings weren’t immediately apparent, but they were still empty.

Just like me sometimes, I thought. Some days I may look pretty good, but it’s as if the enemy of my soul has found my weakest spot and pierced it through ever so precisely. Whatever joy or evidence of God’s presence is there, leaks out before I even leave home.

Next, I noticed a scallop shell with a jagged gap marring its otherwise beautiful exterior. Looks like you’ve had some hard knocks. I know what it’s like to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But you are still lovely. I picked it up and cradled it in my palm.

Before I knew it, I was gathering up all the holey shells in my path because suddenly I was able to see beauty and purpose in each one. I’d string them on a thread or cord to create a garland or necklace.

Isn’t that what our loving Father does with us? He’s just waiting to pick us up, wash us off and restore our souls. He doesn’t disqualify us because of our flaws and failures, past or present. In fact, I believe when we’re most injured by our own foolishness, He treats us with extra-tender care. All He asks is that we admit we need a Savior. When we seek His forgiveness, He makes us perfect in His sight through Jesus Christ.

 I like to think He might add us, one-by-one, to a scarlet cord, creating a beautiful garland to wear over His heart. The strands are never ending.

Bind us together, Lord, with cords of Your love.

Dorothy writes from her home on a ridge overlooking the Arkansas River in Little Rock. She has been involved in women’s ministries for nearly forty years, teaching Bible studies. Her passion is for people, especially women, to understand their value in Jesus.

Connect with Dorothy at her blog: http://reflectionsfromdorothy.blogspot.com/