Precious Pearls

May 22, 2023

“Broken”

“Bright Side of Broken” MercyMe

Initially after the accident, we didn’t know how serious my injuries were.  When I saw my surgeon four days later, I learned the devastating news. 

Life-altering Injuries

and

Permanent Damage

I didn’t know how to process this. 

I couldn’t talk. 

I fought back tears but lost the battle.

Sobbing, I slouched in a wheelchair in a waiting room. 

A woman approached me and gently said, “It’ll be OK.” 

I felt angry! 

She didn’t know me. 

She didn’t know my injuries! 

She didn’t know my plans and goals! 

How could she? How dare she! 

The first verse of “Bright Side of Broken” captures how I felt so many times after that experience (and many others like it).

“Always look on the bright side
Is what they’re sayin’
But the more appropriate cliche
Is easier, easier said than done

I don’t wanna hear
What I’m going through
Is just a season
Or that my glass should be half full
When it’s in, it’s in a million pieces”

Now, six years later, I can say, “It is OK.”  The concept of being “OK” is the culmination of the chorus of this song.

“Life’s not over yet
So take a breath
Cause it gets better

Cause the bright side of being broken
Is a heart that’s busted open
With every break the
Light will chase
The darkness away

Yeah the bright side of being broken
Is in the hands that
That are holding
Every piece
Reminding me
That it’s gonna be okay”

Only by God’s grace can I say this.  There is a bright side of being broken.  Had I not been broken, I wouldn’t have seen all the miraculous ways God worked in my life.  Had I not been broken, I would not have seen the love my family and friends poured out to me.  Had I not been broken, I would not have gained such a unique perspective about God.  This is what the book of James relates in chapter 1 verses 2-6.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,

who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting,

for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”