Bent, But Not Broken

I am bent, but not broken.
I am scarred, but not disfigured.
I am sad, but not hopeless.
I am tired, but not lifeless.
I am afraid, but not powerless.
I am angry, but not bitter.
I am depressed, but not giving up.
(From Bent, but Not Broken)

Good morning, friends! It’s been nearly a week since I’ve been able to post a “Ponderings” meditation. My electricity and internet were finally restored yesterday, so I’m back! I know many of you are still waiting in the dark, checking your phones for updates, or running on generator power. Please know you are in my prayers.

Living through this storm and its aftermath reminds us of a powerful truth. We might be bent, but we are absolutely not broken. We’ve spent the last few days clearing branches, checking on neighbors, and discovering exactly how long the ice in the freezer actually lasts. But in the mess, I’ve also seen the best of who we are. The wind was fierce, but the spirit of community, and of Ridge UMC, is fiercer yet.

If you are reading this on a critically low battery, hang in there. Even though we sometimes have our doubts, the light always breaks through the darkness … eventually. Until then, keep standing. Lean on someone if need be, or invite someone to lean on you.

Prayer: God of the wind and the whisper, thank you for being with me through the storm and still today. Thank you for the gift of community. Bless the linemen working hard today, give patience to all those still waiting in the dark (even me), and help me find joy in the beauty of a new day. Amen.

P.S. Shoutout to everyone living next door to a generator this week. May the roaring sound of a lawnmower engine outside your bedroom window bring you a strange, mechanical peace. I didn’t realize how accustomed I had become to the sound until this morning, when they were finally silent!