Healing By His Hand. By: C.C.

"Our life is full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives." (Fr.Henri Nouwen)
      It is through the surrendering of all pride and in recognition of my own brokenness that I find myself able to reflect on this important message from the late Fr. Henri Nouwen with humility. I have spent time in prayer reflecting on brokenness, and after reading some of Nouwen's words I have come to understand this universal truth of brokenness on various levels for each and every person within their life.
   It takes a lot for one to admit they are broken. It takes immense courage to recognize the wounds that remain upon our hearts . It takes complete surrender to the will of our Heavenly Father to offer up all of our wounds and brokenness with an honest return to "God's faithful presence in our lives". It is then that we are able to potentially see the gift in our wounds. The often unfortunate events that have left a deep mark within us then become our catalyst for incredible growth and strength of heart.
   As Nouwen reiterates, our lives are truly full of brokenness on various levels. Each person will have their own experiences, trials, and tribulations..however, we share this sense of brokenness. It is human to be broken, but it is God's will that we heal. His will for us is joy.
    As we struggle with bitterness and resentful responses to life's events we often lose sight of God and His amazing healing presence. It is so easy to hide tucked away beneath the scars of our wounds. One may choose to live there hidden and guarded, feeling "safer". Yes, this is potentially a natural response, but anyone who lives healed by God's unchanging love and grace will tell you that this is not living at all. We are called to share His joy..in saying this, it is imperative then that we offer up the brokenness within our hearts and souls so that Christ can truly dwell there. It is then that we will be able to love each other as we are called to. We will be able to face "broken relationships, broken promises, and broken expectations" with a sense of peace and hope. It is in failing to acknowledge our wounds that we will forever be victim to hurtful events from long ago, while at the same time depriving ourselves of living new experiences with joy, love, and fullness. 
   I have spent time in dialogue with a dear friend of mine who takes great ownership for his wounds and his personal brokenness. He has recognized the harm in not healing and offering up all of these wounds to Christ. It is by constantly turning to Him and returning to Him that my friend has been able to heal immensely. It is in this same way that I offer up my own brokenness time and time again. I recognize that God has always been present through every event in my life. I find it crucial that Nouwen points out that it is by "returning again and again to God's faithful presence" that we can begin healing. This statement is crucial because it highlights the act of us "returning" to God and not vice versa. God has and will always be in our midst and present in our lives. 
     Lord tonight I pray for all who are broken. Heal the wounds within us that leave us imprisoned to experiencing life on earth the way that You intended. Help us Lord, so that we can forgive those who have hurt us so deeply. Provide us with the humility it takes to look within ourselves honestly. May we strive each and everyday to become more like You so that we can share this with everyone in our lives. Lead us back to You Lord when events in life cause us to wander away from you. Provide us with the clarity to see the ways in which the brokenness is part of our journey toward purification. Lord, we understand that the road to healing is often long..walk with us and do not leave our side. Blessed Mother comfort your children upon this journey toward healing. Give us courage to face ourselves and the willingness to receive all from you gently. Lord thank You for Your constant presence in our lives. Thank You for this brokenness, for it is here we will come to further understand Your Majesty and love. Amen (C.C.)