Blossoming Through Bruises and Brokenness

What a blessing it was to be one of the speakers at my cousin's women's empowerment event a few months ago! The theme for the occasion was, "Come Up Higher" (Luke 14:10). Those three words and the accompanying scripture packed such a powerful punch, even before I started to prepare my speech...

As I rolled the figurative reels backward through my journey, I knew the message had to include reference to a song that I'd mentally and emotionally "carried" during a difficult time. The song is titled, Bruised But Not Broken, by Joss Stone. Without revealing the lengthy details of the speech or the lyrics, I learned something about myself during the preparation process. I found that although I thought I wasn't/hadn't been broken, I didn't truly understand what it (brokenness) meant. Before I stood to speak encouragement to a beautiful and well-engaged group of women, it was evident to me that I've been both...

A part of my speech, which I did not verbally convey that March afternoon, is my personal new variation of the aforementioned song. I thought I'd share it with you, as the words may resonate. If you've never heard the original song or if you will listen once you've read this post, please hear my heart in the partially unshared excerpt below.

I thank God and my beautifully empowered cousins, Deborah and Melissa, for the opportunity to share during that amazing Women's Empowerment Brunch, held in Portsmouth, VA. 🙏🏽❤️

~~ Speech Excerpt (not shared)

So, I’ve put a little spin on my girl, Joss’ lyrics for you and me today. Ready?

Gonna pick my head and my heart up, take my life back with Faith leading the way

Gonna let God help take the hurt away

Gonna pull myself together and put the pieces back in place

By letting God lead, as I live in this space

See, I've learned so much on this journey; it’s been kinda hard

Love and this life may have left my good soul severely scarred

I may have been shattered inside, but it didn’t irreparably break me...

I’m blossoming to “Come Up Higher” For Jesus is still on the throne, and He saved me!

My heart is still open, whether Bruised Or Broken, I can now sing...

I am who God says I am, so I am Still Blossoming.

Lord, I may have been bruised, broken, or even burned in the fire

But because of my love for You, I am committed to "Come Up Higher!"

Amen.

~~ Speech Excerpt (shared)

In closing… Listen, whether bruised or broken, or both, we are not beyond repair, for the bible says:

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Matthew 12:20)

If I’m broken, God says, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise." (Psalm 51:17)

Remember---We are Still Blossoming, but never to “flex,” although I believe we should never be ashamed of the things or experiences that God allows us to have-----We’re Blossoming To Come Up Higher---In The Lord! Thank You.

~~~

But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.

~Luke 14:10

Peace & Blessings,

Lisa C-S