Christ As The Closing Clause
Humans do a terrific job of putting on the facade of perfection. I’m the queen of slapping on a smile and saying that I’m fine. Internally though, we’re all shaking in our boots in some regard. Maybe our family isn’t quite as put together as our Facebook photos and eloquent captions make it seem. Maybe our perceived mental stability is really a mask cobbled together to disguise a wreck of anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, and significant mood swings. Maybe our “I’m okay” is just a smokescreen to the blazing fire of physical angst.
“You should write a book.” This statement has left me quaking in my own boots numerous times. It’s somewhat curious…surely there’s a superior writer whose pen pours forth finesse and humor more perfectly woven together in eloquence than this physically broken, inexperienced, and utterly exhausted 28-year-old just trying to survive. I once asked someone who told me I should write a book, “Why would anyone want to read a story about me? I’m an absolute mess.” But maybe that’s the point. We forget that others are broken too because brokenness is something we hide. Paul speaks of overcoming this human tendency in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Thus, just as Nebuchadnezzar shared the goodness of God towards him in Daniel 4:2, we should eagerly share our stories of victories and weaknesses that reveal God’s power as He guides us through tumultuous times. In my own journey, I have found three ways to share this story most effectively.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” This is one of the habits in Dr. Stephen Covey’s popular book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The gist of this statement is that we shouldn’t be quick to thrust our input into others’ laps without first taking time to understand their stories. Having a relationship is a recipe for time, effort, patience, and trust. A story will not be well received without building a relationship first. When the relationship has baked for a bit, then you can add the unique ingredient to your story.
“I can relate.” Ever notice how we tend to latch onto those who have gone through similar struggles? Pain is one of the worst things a human can endure, and relief is desperately sought. People in pain often seek others who sincerely understand, because once the empathetic connection is made, the possibility of finding relief for the pain is much higher. When we use our brokenness to come alongside someone who is broken in a similar manner, the door to sharing the hope of Christ is kicked further open. I have found this to be true during all my health struggles. My chronic illnesses have paved the way to connect with fellow patients, doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare staff in ways that others cannot, and it’s a wonderful way to allow my broken body to sow the hope of Jesus.
“Keep your eye on the ball.” Any sports aficionado knows that keeping your eye on the target, which in most sports is the ball, is vital to success. In the race of life, the addition of souls to Christ’s kingdom is the target. Don’t get so lost in comparing your story to another Christian’s story that you assume yours is bland or of little value. And don’t disclose so many details of your journey that you inadvertently make the story wholly about you causing the listener to lose interest. Ensure you leave more than enough room for God’s glory to take center stage.
We all walk different journeys, but we should all be eager to share what God has done in our lives. Allow your story to be the pedestal on which Jesus Christ and the Gospel stand. Lift Him high through your lowness. Let your brokenness be the key to showcasing His gift of wholeness. In whatever manner you share your story, make sure Christ is the closing clause; the exclamation point at the end!
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” - Psalm 29:2
~ Abi Gordon serves as Special Projects and Care Coordinator at LIFE Fellowship. She enjoys watercolors, photography reading, writing, and spending time outdoors and is a native of Colorado.