There is Beauty in Brokenness

The world is full of broken things: broken toys, broken buildings, broken families, and broken people. As children, we never anticipated the adversities and trials that this world would lay upon us. Because of stories and tragedies that we hear about the world, we’ve labeled the world as broken. Feelings of hopelessness take over like a crashing wave, causing us to feel that the world cannot be fixed. Isaiah 43:2 states that “even when times are rough and you are in "deep waters" God will be right by your side, leading and guiding you through your worst." In a world full of hate and despair, there is still hope. There is always beauty in brokenness.

Many of the children that we serve, have seen the brokenness of this world at an early age. Whether they see it at school, with their friends or even in their own home. Topics and issues that were once deemed too inappropriate for children are now topics that these children comprehend at an early age.

One day, I was spending time with a 5 year old and she vocalized that she hated God and that God hated her. It was in that moment that I realized the brokenness in these children. I sat her down and explained that no matter what she has done, even if she hates God, God will always love her no matter what. Then, a 6 year old boy walked by and encouraged the other child. This behaviour was surprising because this boy usually gets into physical fights with other children and does not listen during bible time and small groups. He is typically the one that tries to run away or hide during small group time. He spoke about God's love for us and that through prayer, God could hear us. It was an encouragement to me to hear him talk about his love for Jesus and to hear what he knows about God. Although they were young children, we were able to discuss why Jesus died on the cross and why God loves us so much even when we do bad things. Even through the brokenness, God is still working. He’s working in families, in the homes, and in the community.

Even through all of the brokenness and sorrow, God is working through each and every child. At the end of the day, no matter where you come from, what you’ve done or who you are, God can use you mightily for His Kingdom.