When I was younger, I would climb the ten-foot-tall trees outside our ranch-style home in Interlachen, FL. Interlachen is a small town filled with kind people. Memories of friends who always smelled like carrots, bus rides with the entire town’s youths after school, and church events held outdoors on the rustic plains surrounding the only church for miles still paint my mind. I remember in particular when our neighbor dug a large hole in their backyard, covered it in plastic, and filled it with water. We spent most of that hot evening in their makeshift pool. I loved it, like I’ve always loved the feeling of being free, playing in the sun all day, and enjoying life.

Currently, my feet are decorated with cuts and blisters, trinkets from days I hung from those towering birch skyscrapers. Reflecting on my moments of childlikeness, the person I used to be is hard to picture. I vaguely remember the joy of creativity and adventure. In the strange journey of adolescence, I lost my naivety and ushered in pessimism. Ironically, I used to take immense pride in my strength, seeing myself as resilient and pain resistant. Yet today, a growing reflection of myself is in the midst of learning to embrace me and extend parts of my brokenness to others. In an allegoric way the cracks in my heels have reached my heart, were I struggle to understand the emotions that flow from it.

In believing my vulnerabilities exist, even when they escape my understanding, I can share in true bravery the unpolished parts of me. I hope to comfort those who, like tiny puzzle pieces feel too difficult to solve, through accepting God’s love. Since entrusting God and embracing my brokenness has become less confusing and more nourishing. Not in the sense that I don’t feel lost but more that I know there is a hand for me to hold, who will love me even when I feel too complicated to be cared for.

Romans 5:3-4

1 Tim 1: 15-16

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.