Casandra Martin

The jagged pieces of our brokenness startled us as we watched it play across the television. Reporters stared at burning buildings in disbelief as first responders were forced to retreat at the sound of gunfire. Armored cars rolled through the streets in what looked more like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie script than the actual events in an American city. In the end, no matter your perspective, a young man is dead, a family is shattered, a community is reeling, a police officer is vilified, and a country is divided. Our brokenness lies open, its gaping wound evident across the landscape of our national consciousness.

Normally, we do a pretty good job of camouflaging our brokenness. We cover it up, ignore it, or manage it so that we can pretend that we have it under control. The truth is that sin has so deeply wounded us, infected us, and twisted us that broken is our default. We are so used to broken that we accept it as normal, except on those days when its intense ugliness rears up and demands our attention. Hearts ache and hopelessness swells even as brave talk swirls about changing the conversation and affecting a real change. The reality is that the world holds no answers for what is broken deep down in our souls.

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5a) New. There is the word that speaks to the ache within us. It brings with it pictures of fresh opportunities, new beginnings, and soaring hope. The truth is that Jesus is the only answer for what is so badly broken within us. New can only be realized within the power of His love.

My Jesus Resolution today is to proclaim God’s answer to our brokenness. Today is the day for those of us who are Christians to turn off the news and start sharing the Good News. Today is the day to rise as ambassadors of reconciliation and extend the invitation of peace to all hearts. Today is the day to pray – pray for broken families, broken communities, broken hearts, and broken dreams to find a new hope in the One who is able to heal all hurts. Today is the day to raise our hands and our voices and lift a cross up before the world, declaring the truth that He was broken so that we can be whole.