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I am ignored as if I were dead,
as if I were a broken pot.
I have heard the many rumors about me….
Psalm 31:12-13a (NLT)
I went through a divorce several years ago. Like most people who go through a divorce I never thought I’d end up there. It has been the single most difficult stretch of my journey.
People react in silly ways to divorce. I find this to be especially true in the church where I learned that one friend believes I “put my soul in jeopardy” by getting a divorce as if Jesus’ grace and forgiveness ends at the entrance to divorce court. A year or so ago I discovered that a leader in my church was uncomfortable having me involved in a particular role because of the scarlet letter “D” on my life’s resume’. Then there are the friends who have quietly chosen to walk away from their relationship with me. Like the song writer of today’s psalm, I’ve heard rumors through the years of what “they” say, and I have sometimes been made to feel like a broken pot.
I know I can’t control what others say and think. I know that it’s human nature for people to cast quick judgment. I know that God is the only judge with whom I need be concerned and I am being honest when I say that most of the time I could care less what other people say or think they know about me. Yet, it is equally true to admit that there are times when I really don’t like being made to feel like a broken, useless pot.
When I read the lyrics above, my mind went immediately to Jeremiah 18 when God told Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house. As Jeremiah watched, the potter took a marred pot and fashioned it into something new and useful. The central theme of God’s Message is that He takes broken, discarded and left for dead people and redeems them – fashioning them into something completely new and filling them with Life.
If you heard rumor that I am a divorced, broken and useless pot then I must inform you that what you’ve heard is completely true…
…you just haven’t heard the whole story.
One of the things I love about my work as a mosaic artist is that broken things are used to create beauty.
I can imagine how much you enjoy that, Juanita. Thanks for adding your two cents. It’s the perfect compliment to the post!
24 So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord!
I needed this encouragement today. My confidence was lacking. I am not alone.
Amen and Amen brother.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to your posts, Tom, and finding needed encouragement. Thank God for your gift.
Thanks, Mark. I appreciate you letting me know. Hope all continues to go well with the new vocational path you’ve been walking!
The ending of your post rolls right into the beginning of Brenning Manning’s The Furious Longing of God: a sincere testimony of God’s consuming impassioned love for his children — sinners one and all. See Matthew 9:13.
From Manning’s intro to the book…
“I’m Brennan. I’m an alcoholic.
How I got there, why I left there, why I went back, is the story of my life.
But it is not the whole story.
I’m Brennan. I was a Priest, but am no longer a priest.
I was a married man but am no longer a married man.
How I got to those places, why I left those places, is the story of my life too.
But it is not the whole story.
I’m Brennan. I’m a sinner, saved by grace.
That is the larger and more important story.
Only God, in His fury, knows the whole of it.”
I’m grateful that my story is still in play despite me being me. Amazing the difference perspective can make; I walk into any room and think, “I’m the most broken person here.” Hard to judge another from that place. I’m sorry you have been hurt along the path. You are loved brother.
E
Thanks, Eric. Great add to the post. The love flows both ways, my friend. You and I need to get together for a long conversation one of these days.
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” –Isaiah 42:3