Not Broken…Becoming

A space for slowing down, softening, and rebuilding in small, intentional ways

Tag: acceptance

  • Beauty in the Mending

    I was recently reminded of the concept of Kintsugi: the Japanese process of repairing broken pottery using lacquer dusted with powdered gold. Instead of hiding the cracks, they’re highlighted. Instead of returning to what it was before, it becomes something new.

    Something more…intentional.

    This repair technique stuck with me; not just the beauty of it, but the meaning behind it. Something that’s broken doesn’t have to be discarded, disguised, or hidden…It can be repaired in a way that shows the scars and flaws. Highlights them, even.

    How often do we try to cover up the parts of ourselves that feel cracked or worn down? All of the ways that we’ve learned to move through life in survival mode, not knowing how to soften the hardened parts of ourselves.

    I’ve noticed a shift. Nothing dramatic or complete. Small changes, happening over time.

    Replacing the lighting in my space with tones and colors that are softer, calmer, and more relaxing. Sprinkling more Shenise into my room. Giving myself permission to enjoy simple things again: colors, soft textures, peace.

    Does this fix everything? I wish, but no. All the same, it IS starting to feel like I am doing some mending.

    It feels like I am learning how to take the pieces of myself that have been through some things and care for them in a way I wish they had been cared for from the beginning. I’m not trying to go back to who I was before; I am becoming something new in the process.

    My own form of Kintsugi.

    Reminding myself often that I am not broken…

    I am becoming.

  • What do You do when God Speaks to You?

    Last week I was on a walk as part of a cardio requirement for the challenge I’m currently participating in at my gym. Normally I listen to music to pass the time and to help me stay motivated, but this time I decided to go into Audible and download a book to listen to from my library. The book I chose to read is called “Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts” by Jennie Allen; and I’m so glad that I was led to start this one because it’s been really good so far, it’s an easy book to listen to (this book is read by the author, and I find her voice pleasant to listen to), and there are a few parts that I can relate to already (and I’m only on Chapter 9)!

    In the first few chapters, Jennie talks about the scripture Psalm 139, and how God used it as a reminder that no matter where we are or what we’ve done, He will be there for us. I went to my own Bible and read this passage for myself, and received a few much needed affirmations about God and how He feels about me.

    Have you ever had those moments where the Spirit is trying to tell you something, and you’re only kind of listening so He continues to impress onto your mind to LISTEN to what He has to say, and also write it down so you can go back and read it over as a reminder when needed? I had a moment like that a day or so after I started reading this book.

    I was finishing up reading my devotional for the morning, when I thought back to Psalm 139 and the verse that says, “Where shall I go from your spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?”. A thought occurred to me that I tried to push away, thinking it was a distraction. However as the thought revealed itself more, I realized that God was trying to tell me something and so I listened. Then He told me to write it down, to which I said no at first (I know, I know…). When you hear “No, you NEED to write this down” in your head…You write that thought down no questions asked!

    Here is what God had to tell me, which further affirmed that He IS here for me, NO MATTER WHAT, WHERE, or WHO I try to use as an “escape” because I didn’t believe that I was enough or deserved anything good:

    I’m sharing this because we all have dark parts of ourselves that we believe can’t be reached or healed by God. We’ve done things we’re ashamed of and don’t believe that God will love us because of them. I’m especially sharing because of the last few phrases; let these serve as reminders and affirmations for you whenever you because they ARE true!!

    I AM WORTHY

    I AM LOVED

    I AM WANTED

    If you can, read Psalm 139 and allow God to speak to the broken parts you keep hidden from Him. HE IS THERE FOR YOU!


    I hope this message blesses and encourages you 💜 Feel free to comment and share with someone else who needs to hear a few words of affirmation and encouragement!