Broken

What do you suppose happens when someone rejects their brokenness? Let me clarify my perspective on brokenness. I don’t believe that we are broken or need “fixing”. I do believe there are pieces of our lives or experiences that we attempt to keep separate from the parts or experiences we accept, thus creating “brokenness”. The elements of our lives that are rejected are often due to the intensity of emotions around them. There is great fear around touching or feeling those emotions. The greater the fear, the greater the resistance. The greater the resistance, the greater the disconnect from others.

 

Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.

 

What we reject in ourselves, we reject in others.

 

What we judge others about reflects what needs healing within our own selves.

 

Each one of those sentences represents a chasm instead of connection. By rejecting the very experiences that led us to where we are in this exact moment, we reject the experiences that have brought others to where they are in this moment. We, in essence, reject the very gift of life.

 

Life experiences, by their very nature, foster connection. How we choose to receive or respond to the connection tells a story about who we are. It’s not about good/bad, rich/poor, black/white or any other overt type of segregation. It’s about heart connection.

 

The more we can embrace and accept the experiences we’ve had, the more we can be supportive and present with another person…a shared experience…a point of connection. Even if the actual experience is different, it is still a shared experience because there was an impact that was felt and a resulting belief.

 

Take a moment and think of all of the different ways we can connect through community: religious services, school events, work events, athletic events, social events and more. We share in a common experience which then fosters comfort and meaning. Yes, comfort. Comfort in the sense that someone else views a particular idea, belief, etc. with a similar lens. We don’t feel alone. We don’t feel isolated. We belong.

 

For me, there is a different degree of safety in a larger group than in a smaller one. There is a higher awareness of vulnerability to be fully present in community with a smaller group. Fear can easily pop in for a visit, even if I know the people well. When I feel courageous, I am able to see it as an invitation and share. On other days, I am content and at peace to be present with an open heart.

 

Let us be community for each other.

 

Let us share our humanity.

 

Let us embrace ALL of the experiences that have guided us to where we are today.

 

Let us FEEL the richness of the experiences, embracing the juiciness of life…even if it hurts sometimes.

 

Let us be comfort, meaning and healing for each other.

 

Let us LOVE.