The Raw Places

Ministers often speak about brokenness. I'm not certain that I've heard the word in common conversation, but we all use so many words to describe the human condition. And don't we all desire accentuating the upbeat.

But the more I really listen to people the more I think that we all have aspects of our lives where that word is applicable. That doesn't mean walking around with a millstone dragging us down. It doesn't mean always being aware of the part that is broken.

But if you listen to the talk beneath the surface, the places that need mending, the times that we wish we could repeat again and change, the words spoken that can't be erased, expunged, forgotten-- then you're aware of the broken places. We carry them around, ask for forgiveness, are forgiven and perhaps gain a measure of empathy.

I don't think that there is anyone who doesn't have some exposed nerve, some broken part. Just talk to someone for a spell and a piece of the past falls out-- a piece that cries for release.