When was the last time you were broken? Ripped apart? Disturbed to your core?
I’m not talking about when something devastating happens in our lives like a death or divorce. No, I’m talking about when your mind and heart witness something so profound that it awakens your spirit. It breaks you on the inside for good!
For many of us I would say maybe that hasn’t happened yet.
Why? Because we live in a comfortable world. We awake in our luxurious homes, have a nutritious meal and coffee, and go to work in a fabulous building. We are living the American Dream. The world we’ve created that says, “this is all about me.”
That’s the world I happily lived in until my selfish ways were shattered.
Landing in Guatemala a few months ago broke me. My week there disturbed me to the core. I was forced to take a look at what all I take for granted. My selfish-excess was so blatantly obvious.
Selfishness stifles.
Being broken is one thing. Learning to live out of that broken place is another. I think that’s why God called me back to Guatemala. He not only called me, but He wants you to come too. (see note below)
He wants your comfortable world to slam in to the true poverty, so that maybe your heart will be broke and your eyes opened to what is truly important. When Jesus said he was close to those who hearts were broken, maybe he wasn’t referring to our saddened and heavy heart after all. Maybe He meant He wants our hearts broken like his . . . for his people.
When our broken hearts cry for others, then Jesus is close. <—–tweet that.
What do you think?
I bet if most of us were truly honest we’d list material possessions somewhere at the top of our needs. We love comfort! But God wants to break us down and help us see that our own wants, luxuries, and excesses are slowly killing our spirit. His spirit.
It’s time to strip that selfish-excessive down. It’s time to focus on people.
It’s time to be broken!
Are you ready?
Writing with a community at Lisa-Jo Baker’s today talking about the word broken.
Awesome post, bless you.
Lovely
Cant think of a better way to turn 39!
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! While my birthday is in April, it is my present from Hubby. I would love to ring in your 39th year serving beside you!
I love this post…and I trust that one day God will allow me to return to one of the places where He broke me, whether it’s Peru or Nicaragua or Indonesia or somewhere else. I’m just praying for His leading…but it would be amazing if He said yes to Guatemala.
Well girl — I will begin praying heavily for that. There is something so beautifully special about that dump community that I want to share it with all!
Plus, I have to say . . . While I know the trip will be made up of all people, I’m praying hard for bloggers and writers to come too. Our voices together can be a world-voice for the voiceless!!!
Posted specifics today. Hope you’ll come. Let’s get broken together.
Thank you, Alene, for letting your heart break for those broken, and speaking up…we are praying about Guatemala :)
I am praying with and for you too! I just know you are supposed to go visit your sponsored child. What a blessing that will be for both of you.
YAY — can’t WAIT!
YIPPEEEEEE – me either! You’re the best.
I’m all in. Looking forward to it.
YAY HOO!!!! God’s continuing to strip us raw. But somehow while that stripping is painful, it’s actually so beautiful in that I see Jesus more vividly through it all.
Here’s where I struggle, Alene, I’ve been broken. Stared my selfishness in the face and walked away from it. Felt sick just walking into Wal-mart. But for now, I am here in this country crammed of stuff and privacy with kids to raise, endless activity possibilities and so much to compare. And I forget. And return to my selfish world. I find selflessness much easier when I am not surrounded by people who have too much stuff, too much agony about their luxurious decisions. The balance befuddles me. Perhaps the camel going through the eye of the needle applies to our country? And if God can pave the way, I’ll come.
Oh my stars girl — I totally get you and your mom heart! It is so easy in this country to get complacent and think the world owes us everything. I was thinking today about how the disciples left everything instantly when Jesus called. I know I argue, try to work Him in, and I realized it was all my worldly things and pressures that kept me from just going immediately. I’m trying to strip away stuff and just focus on people — but it. is. so. hard!!! I’m praying for a paved way for you. You would be a big voice for the voiceless out there!!! Plus, I am selfish and would love 5 days with you!!
Beautiful. This post and your heart. Can’t wait for October!
Girl – I’m beyond words as I see what God spoke to the still of my heart come to fruition. I’m so thankful you are coming. Our voices will carry the burdens of the voiceless far and wide. Counting down the days.
you’re awesome – just thought you should know.
Beautiful! I can’t believe in just a few months I will land in Guatemala. Thank you for how you inspired me to say yes. Blessings to you.
Keep me posted on your trip. You are going to be so blessed with God’s presence there among the brokenness that you see. You life is going to change girl!
This is so inspiring, Alene! I think I’ve felt this prompting for a long time. There is so much we take for granted in our lives and so much we could share with others.
As I was reading this, I was reminded of the line “break my heart for what breaks yours”. It is a prayer that I have always been tentative to pray. But God used my time in the DR a few months ago, to challenge me to fully embrace that prayer- to pray that He would enlarge my heart. It is a brave prayer, but our God doesn’t call us to a safe life, does He?!!
Thanks for this post and for your willingness to continue to serve our great God!
Oh no!! Your passion is going to fill those 20 spots before the Army gives me the go-ahead. Might have to step out in faith again…. It worked out so well last time :)
Amen sister. You’re speaking His truth and I thank you for that.
Janelle Marie
gracecalling.net
Raising my sons from boys to men – oh, I have found much brokenness in that role – much coming face-to-face, learning to stand with Him, to walk side by side with Him – there are so many broken boys to men they bring home who don’t know our God. One teen talks of a mission to bring Jesus to the athiests in in school – the ones he says the Christians beat up, tear down so how can they see the love of a Father God – too many teens needing to meet this loving Father God:) Thinking about your mission – would love to be a part of it – right now though, 6 more years of this raising boys to men mission:) Trying not to get a grass is greener on the other mission field:)
Raising those boys is such a mission!!! When my children were little I continually battled that grass is always greener attitude. We’ll serve together one day!!
I’m interested in finding out more. I so want to go on a mission trip. I’ll be praying about it.
I just posted more info. Sure hope you’ll join us!!!
I dream of going on a missions trip one day!
WOO HOO that dream is being fulfilled. I’m so thankful to experience it with you!