God speaks to us in some surprising ways. He can use just about anything to get our attention, even Netflix! I was watching a crime series recently that I really enjoyed, but this particular episode focused more on the main characters’ relationship rather than the usual storyline.
The couple in question (Neal and Sarah) had broken up and then gotten back together, and Neal described their relationship status as fragile. But it was what Sarah said next that really spoke to me. “Just because it’s fragile doesn’t mean it’s going to break. It just means it will take a little more effort to protect it.”
Isn’t that a great line? I think it’s the best explanation of the word fragile I’ve ever heard. Maybe one of the reasons it spoke to me so clearly is because I often feel so fragile myself. There are days when it’s hard to get out of bed and face the world. Days when I feel teary for no reason, when the slightest little thing can send me spiralling.
I think many of us equate the idea of being fragile with being weak. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I’ve come to think that admitting to having a hard day and not hiding from my emotions is actually the braver thing to do! Being honest about how we feel gives others permission to do the same.
God Speaks to Us in Surprising Ways
I spend a lot of time making sure that everyone else is ok, but in the process I forget about myself. I am ready and willing to do the work for my family. But now I have to do it for me. And as I do, the unexpected blessing from God is that even though I feel exceptionally fragile, I’m not going to break.
I’ve also learned the power of sharing my story. If we keep our pain to ourselves, God can never use it to help anyone else. Being vulnerable with people is daunting, but it’s a necessary part of healing. Using our stories to minister to others is one of the best ways to sow a seed that will also reap a harvest in our own lives.
Psalm 37 tells us to trust in the Lord and do good. It might sound simple, but it’s certainly not easy. I have had many moments when I felt so fragile that I wasn’t sure I could do anything! But somehow it’s in those moments that God feels the closest. If we can share what we are going through, God’s redemption soothes us, and healing can begin.
Are you willing to take the risk and allow God to minister to your own fragile heart?
