Brave Enough to Be Broken

1. Embrace Your Brokenness to Find Hope and Healing

Broken crayons still color.

Acknowledge your pain. Accepting and confronting your brokenness is the first step towards healing. Many people try to numb their pain through various means, but this only leads to further damage. Instead, recognize that your wounds don't define you, but they are a part of your story.

Surrender to God. Understanding that you can't heal alone is crucial. Allow God to enter your broken places and work His restoration. This process may be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for true healing.

Hope is available. No matter how deep your valley, hope is always within reach. By embracing your brokenness and surrendering to God, you open yourself to the possibility of healing and a more fulfilling life.

2. Cultivate a Consistent Prayer and Worship Practice

Prayer is communicating with God and doesn't require a strategy or a set of rules to follow.

Develop a prayer routine. The 7-4-1 method is an effective way to kickstart your prayer life:

• Spend 7 minutes in prayer
• Do this 4 days a week
• Take 1 day to review and reflect on what God has spoken to you

Practice authentic worship. Worship isn't limited to singing in church. It can be expressed through various means, such as creating art, enjoying nature, or simply spending quiet time in God's presence.

Overcome spiritual obstacles. The enemy will try to discourage you from praying and worshiping. Recognize these attempts and push through, knowing that consistent communication with God strengthens your faith and resilience.

3. Build Healthy Community and Set Boundaries

Hiding is the kryptonite to healing.

Identify your circles. Organize your relationships into different levels of intimacy, similar to Jesus' approach:

• Inner circle (closest confidants)
• Social circle (friends and acquaintances)
• Extended circle (broader community)

Set healthy boundaries. Establish clear limits in your relationships to protect your emotional well-being. This includes learning to say no, expressing your needs, and distancing yourself from toxic individuals.

Seek vulnerability and accountability. Find safe people with whom you can be honest about your struggles. These relationships provide support, encouragement, and help keep you on track in your healing journey.

4. Seek Professional Counseling for Deeper Healing

We must take our mental and emotional health seriously.

Overcome stigma. Recognize that seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. It's a proactive step towards healing and growth.

Find the right fit. Be selective in choosing a counselor. Ensure they're equipped to handle your specific issues and that you feel safe and understood in their presence.

Commit to the process. Understand that healing takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and trust the journey, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging.

5. Practice Gratitude to Overcome Darkness

Gratitude is how we take back our thoughts from the Enemy's hands.

Cultivate daily gratitude. Implement these practices to foster a grateful mindset:

• Compliment yourself daily
• Express gratitude to others
• Keep a gratitude journal

Understand the power of gratitude. Gratitude affects your brain chemistry, releasing dopamine and serotonin, which contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Use gratitude as a weapon. When negative thoughts arise, combat them with intentional gratitude. This practice can shift your perspective and help you maintain hope in difficult times.

6. Recognize and Combat the Enemy's Lies

The strength beneath the lies of the Enemy is that he bullies us into believing we are the only ones who have felt broken.

Identify common lies. The enemy often attacks in three main areas:

• Unworthiness
• Comparison
• Independence/perfectionism

Replace lies with truth. When you recognize a lie, intentionally counter it with God's truth from Scripture. This practice strengthens your faith and resilience.

Stay tethered to God. Maintain a close relationship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. This connection is your strongest defense against the enemy's attacks.

7. Live as a Hopeful Woman and Help Others

I believe God's plan was to rescue you, restore you, and equip you to help others be restored as well.

Embrace your journey. Recognize that your healing process has equipped you with unique insights and experiences that can benefit others.

Share your story. Be willing to vulnerably share your journey of brokenness and healing. Your testimony can provide hope and encouragement to those still struggling.

Actively reach out. Look for opportunities to support others in their healing journeys. This could involve mentoring, volunteering, or simply being a listening ear for someone in need.

Last updated: November 19, 2024