Broken Things

A few weeks ago one of our Sisters fell and broke her wrist. (She is now well on the way to healing, thank God). In the aftermath of the accident, the usual procedure was followed: first aid, transport to hospital, x-ray and diagnosis, resetting the injured bone, and wrapping in a protective cast to promote full healing. But that was only the beginning, and since then Sister has been receiving lots of TLC and assistance with various needs that are difficult to do “one handed” and we are all happy to aid her recovery in whatever way we can. Isn’t it true that when a family member or friend has such an accident, it brings out the best in us?

These days the daily news is reporting on the inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing which killed 29 people plus unborn twins.  Many more were left maimed and scarred for life, not only physically but emotionally and mentally. This opportunity for them to tell their story may help to bring some healing of wounds carried for decades.

Often we do not know the hidden wounds carried by others secretly in their hearts. These wounds are not visible like an arm wrapped in plaster, and so the person often does not receive the TLC and assistance he/she needs to heal. Emotional and mental suffering is an inner brokenness that is mostly unseen, deeply painful and often carries with it a certain shame or stigma. None of us know what pain another person carries in his/her heart, what heartbreak, trauma or emotional wounds, and so we cannot aid their recovery or help them to heal.

At the memorial service after the Omagh bombing, Juliet Turner sang a song called “Broken Things” a song about a human person all out of ability to fix themselves, just offering what is left to God to heal, transform and make new. The powerful lyrics, like a prayer and plea to Christ, have never left me. I often sing these words in my own heart at difficult moments.

You can have my heart, if you don’t mind broken things
You can have my heart, if you don’t mind these tears
Well I heard that you make old things new
So I give these pieces all to you
If you want it, you can have my heart.

As Scripture says: “Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you”. (1 Peter 5:7). Christ is the Healer of our souls, our Saviour and Restorer. He knows us better than we know ourselves and he promised to be with us always to the end of time (cf. Mt 28:20). At difficult times, let us remember to turn to Jesus with our inner brokenness, trusting him entirely and open to the healing that he desires to give us.

 

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