My current brokenness will be used to prompt someone else’s future blessing.
I’ve heard this phrase repeated numerous times in various wording over the years.
And I actually agree with it.
I do believe that the trials and tribulations that one goes through in life can inspire others in their pursuit of victory.
It’s hard to minister to others when you don’t understand the struggle, because everything is easier said than done.
And the people you’re trying to reach aren’t gonna want to listen to what you have to say for that exact reason.
Ya know, the relatability factor, and all that.
So, I get it.
Your trials will transform into your testimony.
Beautiful concept.
But see, the thing is…
I have a hard time with the transformation part.
Or at least understanding the traditional explanation for what all (or not) that entails.
Y’all remember the “Just pray about it” response I mentioned last week?
Yea, this is what some people’s definition of what transforming looks like.
Now is prayer included in transforming and growing?
Most definitely!
Prayer is a very powerful thing and has been known to break many yokes.
However….
Nobody is gonna tell me that praying about it is the only possible way to heal from my traumas.
I’ve always had this underlying feeling that the reason why so many saints give that response is because they don’t want you to prioritize outside help over God, or they themselves haven’t been set free from their own demons.
And it’s probably because someone told them the same thing!
What is so appalling about therapy, people?!
Yes, God is almighty and powerful, but he put licensed therapists on this earth for a reason.
Some of us need some serious professional help out here.
I’ve had countless conversations on this subject, and someone once told me a story of how they went to their church leader for guidance because they were in such a dark headspace, and the leader gave that same generic response.
To provide more clarity, this person who asked for help had been a leader themselves in the church for years, and their rank was continuously rising, but they were broken.
They were broken, and needed help, and their leader just told them to pray about it.
So now I have to ask the question.
Is another reason why saints give that response because they prioritize growing the ministry over growing the people who minister?
I know you’re traumatized, but I need you to preach.
I know you’re bitter, but I need you to sing.
I know you’re angry, but I need you to teach.
Why should people have to sacrifice so much just to get so little back?
As a former youth leader, I know what that pressure feels like.
You battle with so much internally, but you’re always expected to have a smile on your face and be put together.
I looked my molester in the face for years, never having told a soul because I anticipated getting that same ole generic response.
Not because I thought I wasn’t cared for, but because I felt like the church was cared for more. Or its image rather.
I had seen firsthand how traumas in the church had been swept under the rug with this dismissive response.
Why waste my time, right?
Now it’s been years since, and I’m in a much better place, having come to peace with everything.
Fortunately for me, I was blessed with a gift of discernment, being able to separate a person’s actions from the person.
But what if I wasn’t?
What if I wasn’t as stable, and tried to process that experience on my own because I thought I wasn’t a priority?
My life could have gone down a completely different path.
Please note: I am in no way, blaming the church for what happened. I just want to shed light on how the church can sometimes avoid or dismiss unfortunate occurrences, even unintentionally.
Prayer is essential to survival, but sometimes, more is required for true transformation.
The last thing we want is broken people trying to help broken people.
It’s time to start directly addressing these issues, and doing more than just praying about it.