“The fellowship of the broken believe that suffering is a gift He entrusts to us and He can be trusted to make this suffering into a gift.”- Ann Voskamp
Ann Voskamp concludes Chapter 18 of The Broken Way by noting we tend to shrink back from the razor edge of broken things. However, Ms. Voskamp presents an alternative to such paralyzing fear. She proposes:
“Maybe when pain comes looking for you and you feel out of control, maybe you try to control the pain by going looking for it (emphasis mine). Fear can drive you straight into the things that will break you more.”
Therefore, Ann believes, a fear of brokenness lies at the root of all our control-wrestling and stress. However, when you no longer fear brokenness, you live surrendered. You cede control and possession of dreams, plans, and people- as well as their perceptions.
In addition, you lose the fear of fear when you know you’re never alone in facing that fear. Most noteworthy, Ann encourages, the bravest way of all may be not being afraid of even being afraid.
In conclusion, Ms. Voskamp explains the path of the broken way. She states:
“Maybe the broken way leads to being as compassionate with yourself as Jesus is with your soul, granting yourself the grace He gives, grace to get it wrong, and grace to change again, grace to be broken and broken again, and the grace to grow on and on, like the broken way of seeds.”
Today’s question: Describe your role in the fellowship of the broken. Please share.
Please note: the annotated bibliography of The Broken Way publishes Thursday, January 5, 2017
Tomorrow’s blog: The “Are you okay?” question
