Hurray For Broken People

One thing I am learning as our family continues to serve at the Motel Church is this: People are broken.

Not just the people at the Motel - all of us.

Sometimes it's easier for us to see how broken the people at the Motel might be, because they can't afford nice masks like we can. When they have a bad day, or feel emotionally abandoned, or lose their job, or get hurt by someone they trusted, they can't just jump in the car and go shopping, or take themselves out to eat at their favorite restaurant, or indulge in their favorite hobby. Instead, they have to drown their pain in alcohol, or erase it with drugs, or replace it with casual sex, or maybe even create an elaborate fantasy world where they are someone else - someone who has it together and is worthy of love and honor and respect.

But we are all broken. All of us.

Some of us are full of pride. Others struggle with anger. Some are enslaved by lust. Others are entangled by unforgiveness, or greed, or maybe even religion or politics.

But we are all broken. Every single one of us.

Yes, even the leaders are broken. The guy who stands up in front of everyone with the smile and the bible. He's broken, too. The guy who plays the worship song on the guitar and sings so pretty. Also broken. The one who brings the food for everyone to share. Broken.

You've never met anyone who isn't broken.

We might not all be broken in the same places, or in the same way, but we are all still very broken.

So, we are not only serving people who are broken. We are broken people who are serving and loving other people who are also broken.

If some of those you serve display their brokenness, please don't add to their pain by withholding your love, or your trust. Remember your own broken soul. Try to see in their brokenness your own flaws and weakness.

Rather than shaking our fist at the darkness for being so dark, let's find ways to bring more light so that everyone can see a little better without stumbling around in the shadows.

A spirit of judgment against others is a sign of your own brokenness. Return to the source of love and mercy for a brand new dose. Take as much as you need for yourself, but please take a little bit extra to share with the rest of us. We are in need of His love and mercy, too.

Because we're all broken, just like you.

The good news is that Jesus came for broken people.

"Blessed are those who are broken, for they will be made whole." 

-kg

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” – (2 Cor. 4:7)

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Related Post:

A Broken God For A Broken People by Vilbert Vallence

VIDEO:

ALL MY FAVORITE PEOPLE ARE BROKEN by Over The Rhine

A Broken God For A Broken People

One of the more beautiful things God has done for me through my blog is to connect me with a dear brother in Christ who lives and serves people in India. His name is Vilbert Vallance. He works as a chaplain at the Baptist Hospital in Bangalore. We correspond back and forth pretty often, and most of the time his testimony of selflessness and humility brings me to my knees in awe. I am very thankful that the Lord brought Vilbert into my life.

Recently, he sent me an email about a visit he made with one of his patients to a Roman Catholic care center for those with mental disabilities. What he shared with me was so profound, and so moving, I had to share it with you.

Here’s what Vilbert shared:

“This evening I went along with a patient (and) other nursing staff to visit a Roman Catholic centre which provides care for people with mental disability. (We gathered) in a large community hall for Lord’s Supper (they call it a Holy Communion).

“When we got there, service had already started. Most of the people were in wheel chairs, others were crawling on the floor barely able to move or speak. (There were) involuntary movements of their bodies and on top of it uncontrollable noises and gestures. This kind of situation in our churches would be most unwelcomed, I thought.

“As I sat on the floor it was difficult to know whether anyone is listening to the priest, BUT when the priest held the bread and uttered the words (in our language), "The Broken God for Broken People”, there was a complete silence. To me the priest’s words were so peculiar to that situation. (We) all felt something very difficult.

“Even though I have attended and participated in Lords Supper in many churches (before), that service sharing broken bread with broken people made a profound impression in me.

“As I was returning home, leaving that person, I was thinking of my own brokenness. I said, “Lord, you have embarrassed all of the disabled, including me, which is not physical, but you know it Lord,” I prayed.

“I had such a wonderful time.”

What  a powerful picture of God’s love and mercy towards all of us! How beautiful to reflect on our own disabilities, and how we are all connected to one another’s brokenness and desperation.

Thank you, Jesus, for being the broken God for broken people like us. We are all broken. Only your broken body can make us whole again, as we find ourselves in you.

Halleluiah!

-kg