Picking Up the Pieces

Beloved of God,

When we see each other, we don't realize we're seeing what's left, not necessarily what we started with.  Some of our pieces remain in the past and weren't allowed the opportunity to grow with the whole of who we currently are.  Different circumstances can cause this to happen:

-An adult takes advantage of a child and innocence and trust are stolen.
-Someone points out that your skin is a different color and suddenly, you switch from seeing the whole people to just shades of people, and that includes yourself.  Your sense of equality gets left behind.
-Classmates may say unkind words about the  thing that makes you unique and you let your beautiful be taken.
- Someone misuses your love so you have a little less to offer.
-The loss of a family member can keep their portion of your heart forever.  Now there's a hole where it used to be.

Pieces of us can fall away.

So what's left? Some would call it "misshapen", "broken" or "flawed" and unfortunately, many of us wear these words like skin instead of discarding them like the ill-fitting clothing they really are.  Beloved, if this is you, please KNOW: You are a survivor of broken because of courage.  Each face frames the eyes of a WARRIOR.  Battle weary and war-torn, yes, but make no mistake.  We fought our way to this moment.

I did say pieces of us can fall away but I also know they can grow back, better and stronger:

- Attacks become our testimony.
- Restoration in our humanity begins when we see through the eyes of God.
- You get older and realize that what is distinctly you is God with an artist's hand, how you are found in the crowd.
- You meet someone who loves you, even through all your crazy, and suddenly you feel safe again.
- The pain of loss becomes less sharp and easier to endure.  Sometimes we even forget to remember, not them but the aching. It's how we survive it.

It just takes some pruning, work, observation and care to see what's meant to be left on the ground, what should be grafted back in, what disease should be cut away and what will remain to bloom or bear fruit. Cultivation is required.

Beloved, I hope you read this and feel kinder, toward yourself and fellow travelers.  We are beautiful, powerful and dearly loved.