Yesterday I was going through my younger siblings toys, organizing and throwing out junk and broken ones. I came across a baby doll that had obviously encountered a dog or other animal of similar taste at some point because one leg had been chewed off. I threw it away, only to receive protest from Olivia when she saw it in the trash. I explained to her that it was broken, but she continued to protest–she likes playing pretend with the baby doll, even though it is broken. Finally she walked away, but her words remained and echoed in my heart and mind.
Other broken toys she understood being thrown away, but there was something about the baby; she couldn't stand to think of it being in the trash.
But how often do we have this mentality in "real life?" If something isn't perfect, unbroken, and "whole," we subconsciously label it "garbage." Is it any wonder, then, that so many view the brokenness in this world with disdain and/or disgust? That, for many, when a mother is told there is a chance her child could be born with a disability, it is almost assumed that she will get an abortion and end her child's life.
When something is broken, we throw it away. If something is scarred, we attempt to cover it up or hide it. If something is different from the "norm" in some way, it is considered a negative thing.
But what does God say about brokenness?
Matthew 5:3-4
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Jesus displayed a heart of compassion for the broken, healing many. Did He physically heal everyone? No. We know that ultimately, we will be healed. But as we walk on this earth some of us have been chosen to show even more clearly His grace, and His strength in our weaknesses. Sometimes we don't understand why He allows things, but we can find comfort in knowing that the suffering, pain and hardships in this life will one day pass away, and this flesh is only temporary:
Revelation 21:4"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
And in the midst of suffering we know that "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18).
But how are we to deal with brokenness? What should our response be?
Psalm 82:3"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed."
As Christians, God has given us the blessing of spreading His love and hope, and the privilege to be His hands and feet. He has commissioned us to reach the broken!
I'm reminded of the song "Blessings" by Laura Story. There is beauty in brokenness! Light shines even brighter when it is in the midst of darkness.
Isn't it amazing that God can use the simplicity of a child to reveal His heart? I realized that my thinking was faulty. Will I keep every broken toy/object? No, certainly not, this is only an illustration/object lesson. though I may think more about re-purposing beforehand. (;
But God used this to show me a bit of His heart. And it was a learning experience for both Olivia and I. I told her that she was right, just because something is broken doesn't mean we should throw it away, and God makes people different this way sometimes. We took her baby out of the trash, and I showed her a video of Nick Vujicic to help her understand and to familiarize her with the reality of brokenness in the world. She watched it with great interest. After the video she took her baby (we found clothes for it and dressed it) and played with it for awhile. Sweet little one! I see God at work in her even at her age, and I'm looking forward to seeing how God will use her!
Here is a link to the music video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrV_ZvwZRvw
Thanks for reading! Blessings to you!
Victoria Christine
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