Hold me -- a Psalm for the Brokenhearted

Dear Urban Abbey Members and Friends:    We are all broken people; we all suffer in some fashion.  Several years ago when I was going through Stephen Minister training, I came across a book by Henry Nouwen, the Wounded Healer.  Nouwen emphasizes that from our woundedness, we have a great capacity to minister to others.  Because we suffer, we can more deeply understand the struggles other go through and be present for them.  Our Lord, Jesus, was also wounded both physically and emotionally – bearing our sins.  He demonstrated for us how our woundedness can break down barriers and allow us to really be present for others in need.

The poem below by Steve Garnaas-Holmes paints for me a very vivid picture of my brokenness.  But, knowing that I am God’s beloved, even though broken, gives a peace and strength.  Because I am God’s beloved, I can reach out to others and be the conduit of that Presence to others.

What images does this poem bring to your mind?  What does it call you to do or be?  I invite you to share your thoughts with the Community so that we can all be enriched.

Shalom and Blessings, George

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Dearly Beloved,

Grace and Peace to you.

O Thou Mysterious Love, hold me.

When I cannot stand, be the ground that holds me.

When I have fallen apart be the gravity that binds my pieces.

You are the Presence I do not see, cannot feel,
the Steadiness that lets me tremble.

You are the darkness I stumble through;

you are the way and the not knowing.

You are the well of my tears, the soft place for me to fall.

You guard my tenderness, and defend my wholeness.

You are the fiber of my making, the love that brings me through.

You keep me in your hands; you bear me on your hip.

Hold my shattered fragments in your hands, until I am ready to be made new.

Wrap my unknowing in your arms of darkness until my dawn is ready to rise.

Holy One, Creating One, I am your Beloved.

I am yours.  I am yours.

Deep Blessings,

Pastor Steve
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Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net