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How to Find Beauty in Brokenness

It only takes turning on the news or reading the headlines on The Huffington Post to remind us that we live in a broken world.

Even in our personal lives, we face brokenness. Financial struggles, scary diagnoses, unemployment, the loss of a loved one, broken relationships. The list continues…

A few weeks ago, I shared this link on Facebook and Twitter: http://goo.gl/lSXcPT. I knew the photography was breathtaking, but I wasn’t quite ready for one comment a reader made.

Lee said, “Love it! God makes beauty out of brokenness.”

Such a simple, but powerful reminder. One that continues echoing to me as I face this Goliath battle.

I can’t help but wonder, what if we all found beauty in being broken? 

For when we are broken, God is strong.

When we are weak, God’s power is made perfect.

When we have nothing left to give, God still uses us.

How to Find Beauty in Brokenness

Starting today, will you take these steps to find beauty in the midst of brokenness?

1.     Read only the good stuff. [Tweet this] Choose to center your thoughts on the beauty in the world rather than focusing on the negative. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Train your mind to concentrate on the noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. In doing so, you’ll see your perspective and attitude shift. For every once piece of bad news you read or watch, read two articles or links that restore your hope.

2.     Be grateful. [Tweet this] In the midst of our own brokenness, we can wear blinders, in a sense, that blocks out everything else but our troubles. Instead of focusing on your situation or adversity, choose to give thanks.

Starting today, write down three things you are thankful for. To add to that challenge, share your three things on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag, #1000gifts. Soon, you’ll begin to see everything as a gift and lay hold of the beauty even in the midst of struggle.

3.     Learn someone’s story. [Tweet this] Choose someone you know who has had a rough few years. Maybe they went through a tragic loss, were diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, or lost their job. Take them out to dinner or meet for a cup of coffee. Ask them to share as much of their story as they feel comfortable. As you listen, look for ways you can encourage or bless them. Celebrate the work God is doing in their lives that they may not recognize yet.

When we identify the beauty in others’ lives, we can begin to see the beauty in our own brokenness, too.

4.     Focus on the WHO. [Tweet this] While God welcomes all of our questions, he challenges us to reorient our thinking on the WHO, instead of the WHY. We’re reminded through the story of Job that we may not understand WHY things are as broken as they are, but, in holding on to God’s promises and resting in God’s presence, we can find hope, strength, and joy in the middle of despair. 

How to Find Beauty in Brokenness

Instead of flooding God with WHY questions today, shift your attention to the truths about who God is. For when we trust in his goodness, hold tight to his faithfulness, we can #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK each and every day.

 

***

The Beauty of Broken (Giveaway and an Interview with @FullFillmag) @ThomasNelsonThis week I’m giving away THREE copies of Elisa Morgan‘s book, The Beauty of Broken: There’s No Such Thing As A Perfect FamilyElisa, one of Christianity Today’s top 50 women influencing the church and culture, is a sought-after speaker, leader, and author on mothering, spiritual formation, and evangelism. Under her leadership as CEO, MOPS International grew from 350 to 4,000 groups. She is married to Evan and has two children and one grandchild.

I asked Elisa what she hopes will happen in the reader’s heart and mind after they finish with The Beauty of Broken.

Elisa said, “My prayer is that each reader realizes that God loves the broken. Desperately. And God uses the broken. Deeply. In some cases even more than before the breakage. Thank God. Because there is beauty in the broken.”

What tips do you have to find beauty in brokenness today? Will you share links, articles, and videos to remind us of the GOOD in the world? When you comment, you’ll be entered to win one of THREE copies of Elisa’s new book.

Congratulations to the winners: Sharon Chappius, Rose, Joyce Watson

Submit your name and email below to receive your free download on how to hang on when you are at the end of your rope. 

Check your inbox for your download now.