I’ve been reading some more from Unbroken Faith by Diane Dokko Kim. I’d like to pass along some thoughts she had that I highlighted in my reading (she has a special needs son diagnosed with autism):
“We grieve the loss of what could have been. Our Father understands and grieves with us. Yet for every parent who mourns, the ultimate Abba is also at work to exchange beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning (Isaiah 61:3). God understands our heartache, but He does far more than that. He redeems it.” (p.17)
When visiting a place of amusement, the clashing of sounds, the odors of french fries, perfume, and diesel fuel proved to be too much for their son. Fifty feet past the entrance their son began to gag and his body revolted, thrashing him against the concrete. Gone was the chance for a good time at the park and her husband dragged their son back to the minivan where he lashed out at his dad, and dad lashed out at his Father. Her description of that scene was followed by a quote: “Nobody gets through a broken world unbroken.” (p.35. Spoken by Dr. Ed Stetzer)
Finally: “When grief depletes us of reason and we lash out blindly, our Father enfolds us in safety. When we push and pull away in bitterness and blame, He endures our outbursts with longsuffering. He suffers and grieves our losses with us. He is strong enough to contain our rage, compassionate enough to quell it, and magnanimous enough to overlook it. He is big enough to handle our meltdowns without taking offense and does not treat us as our sins deserve. He forgive us, for He knows we know not what we do.” (p.37)
Mrs. Kim has said a lot in the pages I have read, but those are just 3 highlights. I’m looking forward to reading more and hopefully sharing it with you. What I have written here today I pray will help you in some way. It did me. Was there any one quote that spoke to your heart this morning?
The quote by Stetzer really stood out to me because of its truth. Everyone is broken. Not one of us is perfect–“For all have sinned.” It’s only God’s grace that carries us through.
Very true Pam. Realizing that makes a big difference in how we see people.
This quote stuck out to me… “Nobody gets through a broken world unbroken.”. Reminded me of a thought I had this passed Sunday while listening to an audiobook by John Eldridge. John was speaking about the wounded heart that God has restored in every believer. The thought that hit me was Adam and Eve were in the perfect environment. Without sin, yet in that perfection, still fell away from God. We need to be less hard on ourselves. We will sin, but if we linger in our brokenness, we are literally trying to hide from God rather than turning and receiving God’s restoration. We all come broken, but we all leave perfected in Christ.
Great thought Ryan! John is correct in that we all have a wounded heart. And we would do well be less hard on ourselves.
All these quotes are so moving, Bill, but the last one spoke loudly to me – yes, been there, done that. Yet, my Abba never let go of me, as insignificant as I am. I am looking forward to reading more excerpts from this book this week. Blessings!
That quote is full of truth Martha. Been there done that too. i rejoice in the truth that my Abba never let me go and will never do so. I hope to give more tomorrow and next week.
Love the quotes, all are true. The second quote hits me in this way, on both sides of that quote. Often times someone is lashing out, and my first thought is get control of yourself, quit acting like an idiot. I have to think, hurt people hurt people. Instead of adding fuel to that mess, how do I defuse the mess through pray and how do I let God teach me to shine His light in that moment. On the other side of that, if I am feeling on edge or broken, I need to pray that I do not let my circumstances hurt other people by harsh words or actions. Which also ties into the third quote. I hate thinking back on a situation and I let my emotions control me, and I hurt people because I did not stop pray, and respond instead of react.
Very wise words Gail and I love how you analyzed the two sides of the coin. You are right: Hurt people hurt people. Thanks for your contribution.