Life is constantly in motion, much like the waves of the Ocean. Sometimes calm, other times rough. Sometimes inviting, other times frightening, but always moving.
When life is calm and smooth it is exciting to be in the flow of its many opportunities. However, on those days when life is stormy and rough, those same opportunities can seem frightening.
Has life ever come rushing at you like a mighty wave… crashing over you, taking your breath away, and leaving you broken?
Meet Robbie, A surfer from Southern California.
I was at the beach one afternoon, working on a writing assignment. The waves were huge on this particular day and I was observing the surfing activity in the water. A short time passed and I noticed a surfer nearby with a broken surfboard. I stopped to initiate a conversation with him.
We began to chat, he told me how he had just broken his board earlier in the morning at a different surfing spot. He was now checking out other surf breaks to see what the conditions were like.
He had my curiosity, I asked him to share with me what had happened. I listened as he told his story.
He described how he saw the wave coming and made his decision to paddle out to ‘catch’ it. He positioned himself to drop into the wave, at this moment he realized he was not exactly situated in the right spot; nonetheless, by this time he was fully committed. Surfers understand, there is a point at which you must ‘commit’, there is no turning back; at this moment you catch the wave or the wave overtakes you.
He illustrated to me, how he was tossed off the board, slammed into the rolling Ocean, and held under by the strong current. He went on to explain how he reached for his leash (the rope attaching his leg to his surfboard), and used the leash to pull himself up to the surface. He told how he had been tossed around so much he lost his bearings on which way was ‘up’. The leash was his saving grace to get him to the surface where he could catch some much-needed air. He went on to say this was when he realized he had broken his board.
As he expounded on his experience, he told how panic began to set in; however, he knew he had to stay relaxed to survive. Instinctively, he reached down to grab for his leash, knowing it would lead him to the surface. He went on to share how this was not the first time he had broken his board.
I was thankful for my conversation with Robbie. One surfer to another, I learned a lot from him as I listened to him speak of his ordeal. I was encouraged by the confidence he displayed in facing the obstacles before him. No one would have faulted him for not getting back in the water that day. Instead, he chose to face his fears and go after the big waves. His determination to overcome his setback was an amazing testimony of inner strength.
As I pondered our conversation days later, I realized how many parallels surfing has to our life journey.
Life can be viewed, as a huge wave approaching us with all its power, yet wrapped within it, is opportunity! The Opportunity to dig deep within ourselves to face our fears, overcome our failures, and be willing to paddle into the unknown to go after our dreams.
Sometimes we will be positioned to catch the ride of the day, conquering our insecurities and embracing our strengths. Other times, we will feel the weight of life crash upon us, just as the waves crash upon a surfer, leaving us shaken, disoriented and possibly broken. At this moment, we can panic or instinctively reach for our lifeline.
Much like the leash is a lifeline for the surfer, God’s word and His promises are a lifeline to those who will trust and rely on Him. Robbie did not question whether the leash would lead him to safety, he was confident it would, and it did. What amazes me about this story is this:
Something broken was actually the thing, which propelled him UPWARD!
Are you willing to trust God with your brokenness? God can use the broken pieces of your life to propel you into your purpose, and create a beautiful masterpiece in your life! God is faithful and His word is trustworthy! He will bring to completion what He began in your life. (Philippians 1:6)
Are you relying on God when the waves of life come crashing down on you? When your head is spinning and you are not sure which way is up? God desires to give you beauty for ashes, joy for your mourning, praise for your despair. (Isaiah 61:3)
Like Robbie, you may have experienced several seasons of brokenness in your life. You can allow those moments to bury your dreams, or you can paddle back out and catch the next incoming wave, (opportunity). God has a great plan and purpose for your life; it is not limited by your brokenness.
Robbie decided to grab another surfboard and keep on going. You too can cast aside your brokenness, learn from the experience and become a powerful surfer in life!
Hope is found in trusting your circumstances to God. Being broken, confused, and disoriented comes with the territory of riding the waves of life. Give yourself permission to step aside long enough to catch your breath. Pray and ask God what He would have you do next. Commitment will carry you through. Don’t give up!
Perhaps you have been thrown off your feet, your life has been turned upside down and you are having a hard time catching your breath; are you willing to get back up and jump back in? Are you willing to embrace life with its victories and defeats, being confident you have what it takes within you to overcome the challenges and uncover your purpose?
The bible is full of accounts where God used the brokenness of men and women, just like you, to fulfill His divine purpose. Peter, Moses, Joseph, Ruth, and Hannah…the list goes on and on.
Being broken is not the issue, what you do with your brokenness is what matters. Robbie, seeing his broken board, could have trashed it, declaring it useless. Instead, he chose to turn it over to someone who could repair it, so he could once again use it for its designed purpose.
God will receive your brokenness and restore you. God believes in you. You are irreplaceable, your brokenness is temporary and it does not define your value.
Give your brokenness to God and allow Him to use your life to create an amazing testimony for His glory.
-Lucy Ann
Share this article with others you know… use the share buttons below.
Challenge Question:
In what ways are you inspired to overcome the brokenness in your life today? Share how you have overcome brokenness in the past so others can learn from your experience.
Leave your reply below!
Lisa says
Awesome
Lucy Ann says
Lisa, it is great to hear from you.I know you have experienced the restoration power of God in your life…Isn’t it great to serve such a loving God?
Lauralyn Hundley says
Beautiful Piece! Thank you for sharing your heart Lucy Ann! <3
Lucy Ann says
You are most welcome…it’s my honor. 🙂
Lucy Ann says
This article personally hits home for me. It was written from experience. I am thankful I had God as my lifeline when my marriage of 19 years came crashing down on me. Broken was an understatement! God has truly picked up the pieces of my heart, my life, my vision and propelled me back into the water…Today I am thankful to be surfing the waves of life again. God is truly a restoring God.
Jordy says
Lucy Ann, what a wonderful read.
Trust in the Lord!
I have learned to whisper a prayer throughout life’s twist and turns,
“God I need your help”!
When the waves crush dreams and all hope seems lost, I whisper,
“God I need your help”!
With all of the leftover shattered pieces of my life, I whisper,
“God I need your help”!
Once wisdom is gained, the message I’m called to share, I whisper,
“God I need your help”!
Jordy says
One more thing I forgot to add.
Just the other day I had noticed I haven’t felt the inspired to write poetry in a while, I whispered,
“God I need your help”!
Lucy Ann says
Jordy, it is great to see God has answered your prayer for help. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
jessy says
Truly inspiring!
Thank you
Lucy Ann says
Jessy, so glad to have you joining in with us!
Delores says
God Bless You for Sharing, it was very rewarding and truly inspiring on all accounts. 🌹
Lucy Ann says
Delores, I am thankful for the inspiration you received. Stay plugged in and connected. We are all stronger together.
Blessings!