Recently I picked up a little book to encourage me forward with writing. “Keep Moving” Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change by Maggie Smith was a gift that I had no clue my soul needed. Each page is filled beautifully with short words of wisdom and encouragement. Every few days I would pick it up and feel the words speak directly to me. Toward the end, I found myself inspired by a Japanese art form that she refers to. Kintsugi. This silly sounding word, “kintsugi translates to “golden joinery” (or kintsukuroi, golden repair.) Broken pottery is not discarded with this art but slowly pieced back together. Glue is used to make the imperfect object like new. The artists who use this method don’t hide the cracks and chips of the piece – they fill them with lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum so that the seams shine. The artist honors the object’s history – what it went through to become what it is now- and then gives it new life. The brokenness is not only the most beautiful part but also now the strongest part. The idea behind this art is that is it beautiful because of damage it suffered.

Most days I find it hard to work through the many broken pieces that make me. Yet, I know those parts of me are what make me stronger. Enlarging my perspective on life. As I write and share stories, I feel the cracks slowly filling with gold. The ability to let my imperfect seams show and shine. This has been a lifelong work in progress. Having peace in the imperfections of my life through my relationship with God has been a gift. He is the glue piecing me slowly back together. Most of the brokenness that I have shared along my journey has been met with encouragement. Friends and readers who share, me too! The feeling of not being alone is a welcome relief. Everyone has a story. Happy moments and many sad ones. Promise if you make the intention to ask, most people’s stories will blow your mind. We all have broken pieces.

Learning slowly that it isn’t up to me to fix anything. Only to have faith that God will. Like the kintsugi pottery, our brokenness is what makes us beautiful. Human. Unique. You aren’t alone, friend. Those pieces of you that aren’t your favorite have a purpose. Learning to embrace this has made all of the difference. The hard stuff is worth it. We are still beautiful despite the imperfections. One of my favorite quotes one of our pastors, Ed Newton says is, “God uses our broken pieces to make masterpieces.” You my friend, are a masterpiece and created for such a time as this.

I believe in you. I believe in us to live with intention and embrace this one life we have been given. Here’s to brighter days ahead.

Cheering you on always, Tarah

“Each time he said, my grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9