"Birthdays and Brokenness"

Denise's birthday is Saturday, April 5th. She was actually born on Easter . . . Resurrection Sunday. Every year I usually write her a letter rather than give her a card (though sometimes I have done both).

In addition to sharing in that letter that she is the "love of my life," I share how blessed I am by who she is in light of the suffering and brokenness that she has experienced and continues to do so. I also remind her how blessed God the Father is for this very same reason. I have often shared how He sees her heart of caring and compassion--and particularly when we were active in our counseling ministry--by her willingness to minister to others with such anointing, sensitivity, authority and power. (These characteristics still exist, by the way!) I have always been amazed how God would flow through her, and those sitting in front of her would generally have no idea of the brokenness that Denise was enduring.

I share this today for a couple of reasons. First, to again bless my wife for who she has been and continues to be--a blessing to me and others. Second, to encourage those of you who have gone through much suffering and brokenness--and may still be doing so--and that God does know. He is so blessed that you, like Denise, are here on this earth and He hasn't forgotten you. One of the things I know that God loves is that Denise "never quit or gave up," and I know that He loves that about so many of you as well!

As we soon approach the time when the Body of Christ honors the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, many of us can, to some degree, realize His suffering and His brokenness for us. And for those of us who have given Him our hearts and placed our faith in Him, we can also look forward to the resurrection that is coming.

Many years ago, Denise wrote about some of her suffering and grieving and she titled it, "Journey of Brokenness." Some of you may have read this as she included it in Chapter 9 of our book, Loving God, Loving Myself. Though this story only represents a portion of Denise's journey of brokenness, I believe it continues to be very powerful and can serve as an encouragement for others. If you would like to read this story (or hear her share it in her own voice), the links are below. 

Journey of Brokenness (written version)

Journey of Brokenness (narrated by Denise)

May you always remember, like Denise, just how special you are . . . to God and to those that know you!

Blessings,

Jerry (and Denise)

---------------

If you aren't currently receiving these posts in your email inbox and would like to do so, click HERE, and complete the "Subscribe" information that is present.

TO SHARE THIS POST: We hope you will share this blog post on your own social media sites and direct those you know to partake in this opportunity. Use the links at the bottom of this page to help us spread this healing message of "loving ourselves the way God does."

BOOKS AND MEDIA: All of our publication resources are available at jerryanddenisebasel.com and Amazon.com.