Understanding Brokenness and Growth in Everyday Life
Introduction
Sometimes life feels like a series of challenges, where we’re stretched, tested, and pulled in directions we never expected. But what if these moments of struggle are actually working for our good, shaping us into the people we’re meant to become? That’s the heart behind “Gracefully Broken”—the idea that being “broken” isn’t always a bad thing, and that, with grace, it can bring us closer to our purpose.
The Journey: 30 Years of Ministry and Learning
Let’s start with a simple truth: growth takes time. After three decades in ministry, you learn that life isn’t a straight line. Sometimes, you stumble. Sometimes, you soar. Over the years, there’s a constant process of learning—about grace, wisdom, and understanding. In those early days, it can feel like you’re constantly being “broken”—not in a destructive way, but in a way that opens you up to new possibilities.
But what does it mean to be “gracefully broken?” Think of it like refining gold. The gold isn’t destroyed; it’s purified. The process may be tough, but it brings out the very best in us.
The Power of Dreams: Messages in the Quiet
Dreams aren’t just random images or stories that play out in our heads at night. They can be ways God speaks to us—sometimes to reveal something about our lives, or even about the wider world. When you dream, your body’s at peace, and the noise of the day fades away. That’s when revelation—spiritual or natural—can arrive.
A dream can be simple, like a quick reminder, or complex and symbolic, full of meaning to be unpacked. Through these dreams, God communicates about our purpose and can guide us toward our destiny. It’s in these private, quiet moments that God often reveals Himself in unique ways, reminding us that we’re not alone on this journey.
A Dream of Preparation: The Fashion Show
Recently, I woke up from a dream where I was preparing for a fashion modeling event. This memory took me back to my younger years, when I used to model just for fun. To model well, you need poise, grace, and confidence—qualities that are also useful in everyday life, whether you’re on a runway or just trying to get through a tough day.
This dream wasn’t just a walk down memory lane. It was a reminder that life’s seasons of preparation matter. After years of learning and growing, new opportunities started opening up—ways to share the gospel through radio, social media, blogs, and more. Each new door was a chance to bring hope and good news to others.
Gracefully Broken: A Transition into Purpose
As I move into this new season, I feel “gracefully broken.” That means I’ve been made aware of my own limits, my own flaws, and my own need for God’s help. But rather than feeling defeated, I feel empowered. It’s like God’s taken all the pieces of my life—things that were fractured or uncertain—and gently put them together in a way that lets me carry the message of His Kingdom with greater strength.
In the Bible, Jesus says His mission is to “preach the good news of the Kingdom” (Luke 4:43). What I’ve learned is that, sometimes, to be part of that mission, God allows us to be broken. Not shattered, not ruined—but humbled and opened up to something greater.
The Purpose of Brokenness
So why do we experience brokenness? Why do things sometimes fall apart just when we think we’re on track? Here’s the simple answer: God breaks us to position us for His purposes. Just like a seed must be broken open to grow into a plant, sometimes we need to be opened up, to let go of the things holding us back.
Walking the path God has for us isn’t always easy. It’s a process—a journey that requires trust. He doesn’t break us harshly or leave us stranded. Instead, His grace carries us through. The grace of being “broken” means we’re being shaped, not destroyed. We’re being prepared for something new.
Enduring Trials: Not Punishment, But Preparation
There’s a verse in the Bible that says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). This isn’t about punishment. It’s about learning, growing, and discovering what we’re truly capable of.
Humility becomes more important as the calling gets higher. The struggles we face might not always make sense—especially in the moment. Sometimes, we may wonder, “Why is this happening to me?” But when we step back, we start to see that these challenges aren’t always about correcting something we did wrong. Sometimes, it’s about surrendering our own will, opening our hands, and saying, “I’m willing to go where You lead.”
Conclusion: Embracing Graceful Brokenness
In the end, being “gracefully broken” is about understanding that life’s hard times aren’t meant to destroy us—they’re meant to shape us. When we go through struggles, it’s not a sign we’ve failed or that we’re being punished. Instead, these moments can help us grow, open our hearts, and prepare us for new opportunities. Like a seed that has to break open to become something greater, we too can become stronger, wiser, and more compassionate because of what we’ve gone through. With grace, we realize that even in our brokenness, there’s hope, purpose, and the chance to move forward with a new sense of strength and faith. That’s the gift of being gracefully broken.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 