And What Of Love Lost?

Behind all the hallmark movies and old couples, it’s a very real world of divorce, broken relationships and hard goodbyes. That may be a part of your world, even right now. How are we meant to rise up in the midst of the broken pieces, dust ourselves off, and refocus? What does God have to offer to those realizing that the love won’t last and that the domino effect of their pain will continue, likely for a really long time?

I think there has been a stigma for far too long within the Church and evangelical community that needs to be shot down. Divorce is not the end of the story, or some irredeemable circumstance. Divorce is not a factory that creates damaged goods out of people. Additionally, a breakup or walking out of a relationship that was abusive and toxic is not some defining factor over your life or your future love story. If the Church speaks this over you, then the Church is entirely missing the accolades of the gospel: freedom, joy and power in the midst, and against the odds, of ANYTHING.

It is good to call out these lies. If you are reading this and have experienced a divorce or a traumatic breakup, welcome to the club. Each of us, regardless of how picture perfect or not our love stories are, are in desperate need of a Savior and redeemer in our lives. Christ is the core and executive reason we get to be used and manifested for the expansion of His eternal kingdom. It has never been about a Pinterest worthy love for the world to see. It is about a redeemed story God is working through in all of us to make His name and the power of His gospel known to the world.

I know. Goodbyes are hard. Some of them will forever alter your life, rearrange your family and sting for decades. Something like a breakup or divorce serves as one of the most painful and real reminders that our world, our lives and our relationships are lacking and broken and sometimes not able to be resolved, restored or perfectly reconciled in this life. It takes time to heal. It takes time for the tears to settle and face to dry. But… this is not the end of your story. This does not hold you back from God’s greatest potential and plans for your life. All our recovery and healing from the most hurtful of situations does not rest solely on your shoulders. Moving forward, finding love again, and finding it in your power to trust again is a power and privilege of yours because of the promise and radical grace of God. You can start over. You can say “hello.” You can listen to love songs again, when the timing is right. You will know when that day arrives.

Christ has rescued you and captivated you for such as time as, yes, even this. So cry on. Heal on. Keep on. And trust on. This is not the end. It is just the beginning.