There’s just something about a new year. A fresh beginning. Clean slate. January comes around and everyone eagerly begins with lofty inspiration and creative plans for the future. We begin the year with wonderful resolutions. Then comes February…

Before we know it, we become plagued by an unease. This disability begins to spread, and we continue see it wash over greater areas of our lives; reaching into our soul. If we’re not careful, our identity becomes lost in it.

Failure says we become it, rather than experience it. 

We look around and begin seeing our good intentions crumbled in a heap around us. Something we were passionate about haphazardly discarded. How did we ever let it happen? Where in the blaze did we go wrong? Our failure threatens to cause self-sabotaging destruction.

What if you always lived unafraid of brokenness and failure. How would it change you if you realized you’re not the only one shattered on the inside? How would it change you if you truly believed God is redeeming everything? Including your every failure.

Jesus has always been near the “fail-ers.” The rejects and outcasts. Fail-ers are drawn to Jesus. When we realize our brokenness, we are drawn to the Friend of Sinners. We become more like Jesus when we are willing to appear less perfect to reach Him. When we allow others see our struggles. 

Those who don’t recognize their failures seek religion. A God to impress. But the fail-ers, broken- hearted and rejects seek Jesus.

Our Broken Hearted Healer abides with the broken. 

You don’t need to be perfect, perform, or pretend for Jesus. It takes failure to understand what true success looks like.

I know I’m a broken mess. Because of it, I will never reflect on any given year with zero regrets. Yet, I can rest. Not because I didn’t fail at times, but because of grace. I thank God that He sees the desire of my heart.

The hardest person to extend grace to can be ourselves. But the more I drink deeply from the mug of grace, the more I can liberally extend grace to others. 

Do you realize your trying isn’t what matters the most? Your name is engraved on His palm. His scars have determined your worth. What if your own scars remind you that you are His Beloved, not because of what you accomplish or how well you perform? What if your sharp edge of self condemnation could be exchanged for His grace? What if those lies screamed into your ears could be replaced with gentle, loving affirmation from the One who knows you best? 

There’s difference between a “fail-er” and being a failure. Each of us will mess up and fail. Because of grace and Jesus, our failures become stepping stones of faith and courage. 

Can’t you see it? The way Jesus is best illustrated on the darkness of our own canvas. His light radiates through each tiny crack of our messy life. The broken areas brilliantly reflecting more light. 

Life isn’t about being the perfect mom with an endless amount of patience and energy. Or a husband who is a foolproof, fearless leader. It’s not about attaining perfection. Life is about grace and courage. When you’re feeling your shortcomings, remember these two words. Grace for yourself and others, and courage to press onward despite failures along the way.

~Cindy (For The Mullett Family) 

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill