Fragile. We often think of this word in relation to material things that are breakable such as vases, dishes, and glass. If these items get dropped, they shatter and spread into a million pieces and are impossible to put back together exactly the way they were. Even when we try to place each fragment precisely where it is divided and attempt to super glue it back- it is noticeable and still damaged. One might decide to throw away such a thing, not wanting such an ugly, contorted fixture in their presence. They may fear that if someone comes over their house and sees such an item that they will be judged for inferior oversight, a lack of wealth, or just plain poor taste. After all, the item could easily be discarded as unworthy of repair and replaced with something newer and better.

Fragile. A word that can not only be meant to describe a broken fixture, but a word that could also be used to describe us. We, as humans, bruise in ways visible to the eye, but can be battered in a way no human eye is able to see. And the lingering effects of a broken bone or deep cut are shorter lived than hurt feelings. We are easily offended, constantly disappointed, and overwhelmed with untamed emotion. The havoc that sin forges on our soul takes more than super glue to attempt to repair. Our fragility is one of the key characteristics that separates us from the Vigorous Victor. The One who comes to our defense and clothes us in strength. The One who is able and willing to make us whole. The One who died, so we could actually live.

Fragile, yet whole. I am reminded of my humanity on a daily basis. Whether it is an aching muscle, or stinging heart- I recognize I am more broken than I often realize. Yet, my fragility is no longer a hinderance because I am also whole. In Christ, He has made me new. He didn’t see me as unworthy of repair, nor was He was willing to cast me out to be replaced by another. He saw me in my brokenness and said, “Child, you are mine.” He knit together the shards of glass that threatened to tear me apart from the inside out. He saved me from the fragility that is this life so that even in the darkest times, I can confidently say, “It is well with my soul.” And he desires all to turn to Him, so he can bandage their wounds, heal their hurts, and trade His light for their darkness.

“Yet Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we all are the work of your hands.” Isaiah 64:8