For all my married life, I’ve faced the many unspoken expectations from others. It can be hard to get away from the scrutiny and assumptions that concur when you’re living in a “glass house.” But with this reality comes the awareness of the greater responsibility to not be a stumbling block to anyone.

Photo: Alisha Mullett

I don’t enjoy when I get the sense that someone has placed me on a pedestal. Why? Because I know myself and my sinful nature. I know I’m not the person they view me to be. And I don’t want to disappoint them, but want them to see me for who I really am.

A broken, imperfect, fallible work in progress. A broken mess of struggling humanity.

I know that being broken is where I need to be, and how I need to see myself.

Why? Because whether we admit it or not. We’re all broken.

Only those who live in the awareness of their brokenness are truly useful in God’s kingdom. When I’m tempted to believe that I’m completely capable on my own, I’m then unfit to be used of God. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t develop your skills. However, without brokenness and humility, our accomplishments are nothing more than a clanging symbol.

A loud noise

empty achievements

vain strivings…

God is looking for individuals who are aware of their brokenness. Not as a license or excuse to sin. But as a reminder of who we are apart from God, His grace, and His forgiveness. And our need to continue being molded into His likeness. The more we’re aware of our brokenness, the more God can use us. God’s power is best released through our brokenness. 

Photo: Alisha Mullett

I recently shared about brokenness at another women’s retreat. We talked about the importance of being real and vulnerable with each other. At the conclusion, God’s spirit gently moved as women and young girls brokenly shared about the burdens they’ve been carrying. It was a beautiful time as we cried, prayed, and encouraged each other.

Did you know that others will relate with you in a greater way when you acknowledge your own brokenness and struggles?

When I acknowledge my brokenness, others are much more comfortable to share about their own battles. When I realize that I’m capable of any sin others have committed, I’m less likely to have a judgmental and condemning attitude. I am no better than any inmate we minister to within the prisons. Or any other person. It is only because of God’s grace and mercy that I haven’t faced the same intense temptations as each of them.

In my brokenness, I see the need for my Savior. My redemptive Deliverer. The One who makes beauty out of my ashes. In spite of myself. I realize no one will ever escape the commands of a just and holy God, so I will continue proclaiming His truth in spite of my own brokenness and un-doneness.

Photo: Alisha Mullett

And in my brokenness, I will more clearly see God’s true reflection as I humbly seek forgiveness and press closer to His heart.

Do those around you think of you as a broken person? Or do they struggle to get close to you? Are you prone to put on a good front rather than acknowledging your brokenness? Do you look for ways to make your spouse and children look good? What is your true motive?

Brokenness is when we realize that who we are (and the children we’ve raised) are no better than others. We’re mere crushed and struggling individuals who love the Lord and are attempting to grow into His image.

~Cindy (For The Mullett Family)

“True brokenness is a lifestyle- a moment-by-moment lifestyle of agreeing with God about the true condition of my heart and life. Not as everyone else THINKS it is but as He KNOWS it to be.”   (Nancy Leigh Demoss)