Broken, Yet Beautiful

Life can be extremely difficult. So difficult that there are times we feel we may break under the pressure. Unfortunately, there are times when we actually do break. Once whole, complete, and seamless, now broken, shattered, and feeling defeated.

We have all experienced this in some form or another. However, what happens to the broken pieces? Many of us try to hide our brokenness. We strive to put on a smile because we do not want others to know we are “damaged.” So, we press on, struggling to put one foot in front of the other and attempting to hold the broken pieces of who we are together with some grit and bubble gum. 

How long can this state be maintained? How long can we keep up the masquerade? Some people attempt this their whole lives. But what if it didn’t need to be that way? What if, instead of hiding our brokenness or dwelling in it, we used it?

There is an ancient Japanese art known as kintsugi or kintsuguroi. The technique of kintsugi is used to repair ceramic pieces; however, instead of attempting to hide the damage, it highlights it (The Beauty of Broken Objects, 2025). Kintsugi uses a lacquer combined with powdered gold to accentuate the joints of the broken piece, transforming its very appearance into something unique and beautiful (The Beauty of Broken Objects, 2025). Kintsugi tells a story—it shows the history of a ceramic piece, once broken, now a beautiful depiction of resilience and fortitude. 

What if we applied this same concept to our brokenness? Rather than attempting to hide the damage, let it exemplify our resilience and strength in overcoming life's struggles. It does not detract from the vital truth of being broken and the hurt that often accompanies it, but transforms it into a story of healing and restoration.

Healing from brokenness is possible, especially when the correct binding is used. 

Psalm 147:3 states, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 

What a great reminder of how this takes place. Placing your healing in the arms of God provides the foundation and binding to say I was once broken, yet now I am beautiful because of what He has done for me. 

Broken, Yet Beautiful. 

Reference

The Beauty of Broken Objects. (2025, August 28). Retrieved from Smithsonian: https://www.si.edu/collections/snapshot/beauty-broken-objects