Building with Broken Bricks Part 1

Imagine a builder smearing cement on a brick to build a house but all the pieces are broken; as he completes his endeavours and looks at the finished product, the house collapses. Sometimes when we think of building anything, emphasis is placed on the foundation, and it is true that this is essential, but one must also look at the pieces. Can we truly build anything-friendships, relationships, a life, with broken pieces?

Ofcourse, the bricks here can be symbolic of our own lives, the trauma that so many walk around with on a daily basis, the silent mental, psychological and emotional battles we all face the moment we open our eyes to greet the day. The truth is, in some way, we are all broken, grappling like this man to build something, only to see it crumble.  It is not until we find healing that we can somehow transition from brokenness to wholeness. One of these broken pieces we often try to build with is: Trauma.

The pain of trauma, whether physical or psychological, can last through generations. It is our own personal stiff jacket, retraining us from doing anything. Trauma has killed more dreams, potential and relationships than any nuclear weapon in history. Relationships suffer from unhealed wounds; people die in guilt and shame inflicted by trauma. To build, we must address trauma, or the bricks will continue to be defective. 

Though this is easier said than done, it is not impossible; we are given biblical and practical ways to deal with trauma and start our road to recovery and healing. Know this:

• You are NOT alone - Many deal with trauma daily, some at different levels than others, you are not alone in this and there are support groups and communities that can resonate with what you may be going through-find them, connect and begin your journey of liberty. 

• Help is available - If you are a Christian, firstly, know that nothing is wrong with seeking professional help with trauma. Speak to a psychologist, or other medical professional while you continue to pray and seek the Lord. Believers often feel ‘less than a Christian’ or lacking in faith when they have a desire to seek help beyond the church, remember God also placed physicians to help others. 

• You are not what you have been through - This is not the end for you. What you have been through does not define who you are.  It’s hard to see an ‘end of the tunnel’ when you’re still in the darkness, but there is an end, nothing lasts forever.  

As you ponder all that you have read, meditate on these scriptures: 

1 Peter 5:7, Psalms 107:13-16, Isaiah 41:10, Psalms 34:4, Psalms 91:1-2, Isaiah 51:12-15, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalms 23:4, Romans 8:26-28.