Grace (our 3 yr. old German Shorthaired Pointer) broke a nail. This represents the third broken nail in the last three months. The bloody prints on the concrete alerted me that something had occurred, and upon inspection, I identified the separated nail. Who knew that dog nails bled so profusely? 🤷♀️
It feels a bit funny saying that my dog broke a nail, but with her Addisons’s disease her nails are more brittle. Brittle nails and her love of chasing balls through the yard with rocks and plants has resorted in broken nails.
For Grace’s first broken nail I tried to care for it by myself with a bandage and a sock. Unfortunately it was not healing so we visited the vet who needed to remove the nail so it could heal properly. Grace began antibiotics and “calm your pet” pills for the next few weeks. The second nail also needed veterinarian attention to cut it down to aid healing. This third nail broke all the way through, but currently remains attached; the vet instructed me to just let it fall off. Nevertheless, Grace is back on a round of medication to foster healing for the broken nail.
Broken – To separate or cause to separate as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. To sustain an injury. To crush the emotional strength or spirit of an individual.
In caring for Grace’s broken nails, I find myself contemplating the broken parts of my story as well as those of others. Every human experiences brokenness. Wounds create brokenness with the soul. Everyone has sustained injury to their inner parts where they have felt crushed, shocked, and alone. Ultimately, Jesus addressed the broken state of humanity by sacrificing His life for our benefit. Jesus made a way for relationship with God, mending the broken soul scared by sin.
Nevertheless, while we celebrate God’s great eternal gift to spiritual brokenness, we live lives on earth where brokenness continues to occur physically, emotionally, relationally, intellectually, etc. As I care for Grace’s broken nail I reflect upon the need for kindness toward the broken parts of ourselves. We need to extend kindness to ourselves and others as we encounter brokenness. Grace needed comfort and care to her broken part.
Have you heard the phrase, “Time heals all wounds”? Perhaps you’ve spoken those words, or had them spoken to you. Despite the common use of this phrase, time does not actually heal anything. Intentional action brings healing. The journey into wholeness and healing takes time, which may explain the origin of the saying.
In what ways can we allow time to aid towards healing the broken parts within us? I notice three promptings connected to healing what is broken without our souls: Awareness, Admission, Appeal.
Becoming aware that brokenness exists offers a first step toward healing. I became aware of Grace’s broken nail when I saw blood and witnessed her slight limp. In what ways do we become aware of our own brokenness? Listening to the Holy Spirit (especially regarding areas of pain), receiving feedback from others, and studying Scripture lead to deep awareness with God about ourselves. Through these avenues we grow aware of our impatience, anger, selfishness, communication struggles, relational fractures, etc. When we live aware, we notice more readily our healthy and unhealthy approaches to God, others, the world, and ourselves.
Are you open to the Spirit’s nudges as you read Scripture? Do you welcome the feedback of those close to you who might offer insight into your brokenness?
Awareness alone fails to lead to health. It is possible to be aware of our brokenness, but fail to demonstrate interest in growth and healing. When we ignore the awareness of the broken areas of our lives, we live crippled lives that often negatively impact those we love as well as others with whom we interact. To heal what is broken there must be an admission that a problem exists. This accounts for more than awareness, but a taking of responsibility for the state of our soul. When Grace’s nail failed to show healing, I admitted that she needed help. I admitted that a problem existed with Grace’s nail. Admission moves us into action, leading to healing and wholeness.
When we grow in awareness of what is broken within us, God invites us to admit our need, which leads us to appeal for help. I asked the veterinarian to help Grace’s broken nail. As we learn of the broken parts within our soul, we must ask for help. Let the awareness and admission of brokenness, lead to humbly asking for support, guidance, and comfort. We must remember that the presence of God resides with our broken state. He offers His near presence to our brokenness and invites us to surrender to Him. Surrender likely begins with admitting a problem exists and asking for His help. It takes great strength to appeal for help from God and others.
God created us to live in community. Sadly when we become aware of our broken and wounded parts, we often isolate and remove ourselves from the very people that love us and desire to supportively encourage us. We need help outside of ourselves to heal. Embrace the gifting of God’s people to minister and care for one another. Just like Grace needed me and the veterinarian, we need connections with others to heal.
Do you ask for help? Be honest. Who helps you with your struggles? With whom do you share the broken parts of your soul? Are you willing to admit that there are parts of yourself that need not only divine intervention, but also human attention?
Being broken isn’t a bad thing. Being broken positions us for breakthrough. Could it be that God has a design of healing and redemption for your story and those broken parts? When we hide our brokenness from God and others, we miss out on seeing the redemptive movement of God. Ask God for help and then ask others for help. Welcome wise counsel into your brokenness. Let God’s people join your healing journey. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share the wondrous things God does in your healing. I love being an active part in Grace’s healing. She needs tenderness towards her toe as well as her frustration that she doesn’t get to play ball. I get to witness the healing of her broken part.
Just as God is gentle with you, you get to be gentle as well. When you recognize your own brokenness, be tender with yourself. When you notice the broken parts of others, extend kindness and grace. Following Jesus, who embodied grace and truth, live covered in God’s grace as you become aware, admit the brokenness, and appeal to God and others with the truth about yourself. Be intentional with the time God gives you to humbly surrender to His healing presence and power.
This week – – –
Reflect on two Psalms. Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Soak in the reality that God is close to you in your brokenness. Ask God about your broken parts. Listen to His whispers. Receive His gentle attention to your soul. In what ways can you live in awareness, with admission, while appealing for help toward your brokenness?
Request. Ask a friend or family member to journey with you into healing and wholeness. Be comforted by sharing in community with others those spaces in your soul that God is healing.
Reveal this week. Tell of God’s wondrous power in your life. Share with at least one other person a way you notice God meeting your wounds with His healing touch. Glory in God.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 105:2-5 – Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Brokenness: The Heart God Revives. Chicago, IL, 2005.
Shannon R. Wright. My Story, God’s Glory: A Story of Redemption. 2016.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Red Rocks Worship. Breakthrough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ni5_JGRrgs
Crossroads Music. Redemption Song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBHPJxKzb5Y
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 3-15 – Istanbul, Turkey – Global Gathering for Global Trust Partners.