beautifully broken

an old piece of writing that I found and hit home for me today:

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I think it is so funny the way that people collect seashells.

you see them walking down the beach, picking up shells as the waves bring them crashing on the shore. often, they examine the shell but for a brief moment before tossing it back in the water.

it is so normal for people to refuse to keep anything that isn't beautiful and whole. and often these people leave the beach empty-handed, or with very few shells because there are but a scarce number that meets their expectations.

i have begun to realize that some of the most beautiful shells out there are in fact ones that are not whole. they are washed up, broken and beaten, but somehow prettier than any of the others.

how lucky are we to have a God who chooses us in the midst of our brokenness. If God chose souls the same way we tend to choose shells, I know that I would be in deep trouble. but He doesn't. He chose me, knowing that I was broken, knowing my brokenness would serve a purpose.

and you know what else He knew? that my brokenness does not negate the beauty of my life. rather, it magnifies it.

there is a story behind my broken pieces to be shared with those who are buried in the sand of shame from walking through the very same trials that broke me. brokenness tells a story and points back to a Father who loves and redeems and treasures His broken children.

it is in our imperfections that the Lord gives great purpose. He gives new life and meaning to the battle scars that this broken world promises us. let us remember that our broken pieces and imperfections are what allow the Holy Spirit to move and open doors for the lost to find the kingdom of Heaven.

it is a beautiful thing indeed to be broken. may we use it to pursue others well, and love them in the way the Father has chosen to love us. with a love that isn't withdrawn as we stand before our Creator with fragmented souls, knowing that on our own we aren't nearly enough.

but He has grace. grace and a heart that is inclined toward compassion for our souls. our broken souls.

our beautifully broken souls.