Beauty in Broken — vol. 2
As I sit here reflecting, in front of a fire at my go-to shop, St. Louis Bread Co. it amazes me to think on the amount of blessings received over the past week. The next day, hour, or even the next breath in our lungs is not guaranteed. Yet, we are freely GIVEN these gifts and so much more.
Surgery was a success and now begins the healing journey!! Officially a titanium armed man. It was nice to be surrounded by and able to learn from the nurses, anesthesiologist, and surgeon who are all 50 times smarter than I’ll ever be 😆. These people have some impressive and unique minds to be doing what they do! Maybe this was also a step in the right direction in getting over my fears of healthcare as I seemed to do alright with the needles, injections, and even got a nice 3 hour nap in haha. Something unexpected but incredible also came from a little book brought in with my belongings. Had “the way of the dragon or the way of the lamb” (which I highly recommend reading to any and all) tagging along with me in case there was downtime to read before the surgery. Downtime ended up not being the case at all though, so the fact I brought in a book created some laughs, AND also produced some questions and conversations with the healthcare workers. God used it to communicate a principle emphasized in the book regarding the way of weakness as being the means of power counter to how the world sees it. And that when we are made low, we are in a position to receive God’s grace. Was grateful for the interactions and I pray He uses it to penetrate hearts.
Recent develpoments have included continuing to learn how to go about life one-handed, maintain strict schedules (pill taking/eating/basic operations), enact patience in regards to finances/business, and understand my own feebleness. These factors have drawn me to Paul’s life (maybe one day I’ll switch up the example I use haha) once again and how “the way of the dragon or the way of the lamb” pg. 29–30 speaks about him. Paul was an apostle of weakness. He did not speak with eloquence, was meek and gentle in his ways, lacked grandeur in appearance, endured hardships, intentionally refused money for services, and worked in socially dishonorable jobs. From the world’s eyes (specifically the Corinthian church in that time), this man was not the super-apostle they were looking for as an example, but was exactly the one they needed to see. I love the line referring to Paul, “his weakness was actually verification of the power of God working through him” -pg.30 and how a life filled with the grace only He can give provides more strength than a life filled with all the status, style, and power the world can conjure.
So how does one live in this new definition of strength? How could someone possibly receive this grace? And again, why would God choose THIS as the desired route for His glory? From my limited understanding, I’ll attempt to give thoughts for these three questions through one word image on pg. 34–35 that struck me with a special significance. John Calvin actually paints the initial portrait and then Kyle Strobel expounds on it. The image is of a lofty mountain range. Filled with tall peaks and low valleys. Can be the Rockies, Grand Tetons, Swiss Alps, etc. whatever image you want to use! Now picture God pouring heavenly rain filled with grace (free, undeserved gifts) down upon your mountain range. I understand every analogy breaks down at some point, but normally where would the rain go and what would it fill? Would it remain on the tall peaks? Or would it slide down and find it’s place in the low valleys? God is inviting all to make themselves low like the valley. To understand the world’s eye gazes in favor of the magnificent, towering, and powerful peaks. However, it is the low, weak, undesirable valleys that are able to take part in the grace He provides. As we understand our nature, turn to the ultimate example of Jesus life and testimony. Recognize sin, then let His grace soak in. Let fruit begin to grow, and let true/new life be born! He is exalted when lives recognize they are no longer their own. Humans are in desperate need of His grace daily, and the way to live in this freedom is through making ourselves low to be filled and used as enduring servants for Him.
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” -James 4:6
