Broken, But Still Has Value

Broken, But Still Has Value

   Many times we look at failed accomplishments or some form of brokenness (pain inflicted, physical damage caused, etc.) and take it personally, thinking that we are devalued.

   On the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend this year (2011) my older son’s scout troop went to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery to place American flags at the gravestones.  We were among the hundreds (from many troops and packs) that came for this service opportunity to honor so many who had given their lives in military service.

   My younger son and I set about placing flags as others from our troop scattered to accomplish the same task.  As we moved along I noticed some trash on the ground.  I picked it up and went to a trash can to throw it away.

   Inside the trash can I noticed one of the American flags.  I took it out and saw the wooden dowel was broken.  Since the dowel was broken, had the flag lost its value in someone’s mind?  Was it not able to serve its function?  It had not, and it was fully capable of honoring the sacrifice of our valiant brother or sister.  Even though seemingly diminished, the core part of it was intact; it also left me with a valuable message.

   When I start to think of myself as broken or devalued, I need to re-focus and realize that I am still a child of God and I am part of God’s family.  That kind of thinking helps restore my self-esteem that I am valued and have gifts and blessings to share.

   Another thing God has revealed to me is that we connect better with each other through our brokenness than through our wholeness.  When we share our struggles and our failures others realize they’re not alone in what they face.  A bond is established or strengthened because of what we perceived as a negative.

   God uses all of our experiences (positive or negative) that we share to help connect others.  We help each other build up our relationship with God and our family of faith.  We are support and encouragement for each other in our faith journey.

   Rely on your support group, and be an encourager for others.  We are important, significant and have great value to God. 

 

Now with my brain injury (2 strokes in 2020 -- November & December) I may be broken and damaged, but I’m not devalued.  I'm still a "Child of God"