I have a dear friend who recently posted this on her Facebook page. “God wrap your arms around me. I’m feeling broken and beaten down.”

I felt deeply concerned for her, though I know she is a courageous and resilient person. But I must remind myself that courage is the willingness to admit being broken, to give yourself into the arms of a loving God.

I have known this friend since she was a teenager struggling to make sense of a lifetime of sexual abuse. She was courageous then, choosing to tell her story to a large group of victim advocacy professionals, and she is courageous now for admitting her vulnerability and letting herself be wrapped into the arms of God.

The Psalmist knew places of brokenness, and prayed in times of trouble.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.

Look upon my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.

Look upon my enemies, for they are many,
And they hate me with violent hatred.

Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.   – Psalm 25:16-21

I have prayed for my friend. I have no doubt that by now she has taken the pieces of her brokenness and made of them something beautiful. Thanks be to God.