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"Because he is so broken, in some way we can allow him to reveal to us our own brokenness without getting angry.... He is so broken that I am allowed to look at my own brokenness without being ashamed." Jean Vanier
This quote comes from a story told by Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche, about his friend Armando, a gravely crippled man. I think it has much to teach us.
Most often we react to the brokenness of others (whether it's physical, mental, or emotional brokenness) with some sense of superiority -- thank GOD we're not that way! But there is a different way to see brokenness.
If we allow it, brokenness in others will reach the broken places in us and we can look at them without judgment, without shame, without anger or resentment. After all, is there a human being anywhere who doesn't have a crack or two?
If we look in this way at those who are "broken" -- whether they live on our streets, are part of our families, or are elected to high office -- we are given a glimpse inside ourselves. We are given a path to deeper self-acceptance and self-love. We are given a new opportunity to embrace Life in a different way. That allows us to embrace the "others" who are broken in a different way too.
Allow yourselves to see your own broken places. Allow yourselves to see those who are more visibly broken as your calls to action -- the actions of love, compassion, acceptance and transcendence. This is the way we change consciousness. This is the way we change everything.
With great love,
Rev. CC
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