Our image of beauty is distorted. So is our image of brokenness.

We live in a time and a place where it’s easier to dispose of something that fix it. This applies to our belongings, our jobs, and our relationships. And it’s impacting our faith.

I recently came across a beautiful tradition from Ancient Japan: Kintsugi. A tradition so simple, yet so profound. When an item is broken, instead of discarding it, it’s mended with gold so the object is more beautiful and more valuable AFTER it’s been repaired.

Isn’t that exactly what our God offers us? Beauty from our brokenness?

He takes our broken lives. Our sin, our shortcomings. And he fixes them. He fixes us with something more valuable than gold – the blood of His son. And once we have been made new – we are more valuable than ever before. (2 Corinthians 5:17 + Ephesians 4:22-24)

I don’t know about you, but that brings so much relief. So much hope. And so much to share with those who feel broken beyond repair. So bravely show off your repairs. The areas where you were weak but through God have been made strong. Ezekiel 11:19-20. In a society where everyone is trying to be Pinterest-Perfect, we have an opportunity to offer real beauty and hope. It will attract people to us, and ultimately our Father.

To hear audio of this lesson from the Lincoln Park Church of Christ Ladies’ Day, click on the audio player below.