Tiny Habits® From Trauma to FaithExemplo

Sorrow Is a Gift

“It’s not a sin to have a broken heart.” – Pastor Bob Moeller

When was the last time you talked to someone about what happened when you were too small to understand—that thing that changed you and that causes you to wonder who you might have been if not for the sorrow and the shame?

If you’ve ever wondered how God sees you when you’re in those dark places created by the abuse, injustice, and betrayals of the past, then today is a great day to stop wondering and consider the truth: When God looks at you, He sees only His beloved child—wounded, yet brave enough to choose faith. He is so proud of you.

Jesus had a mission statement: With God’s heart for healing the brokenhearted, He came to bring Good news to the poor, to show the way to freedom, to restore sight to the blind, and to set free all who are oppressed. That’s right—God came in the flesh for you and me.

It wasn’t long ago when I was drowning in sorrow. I was also ashamed because no matter how hard I prayed, served, and loved, the heartache continued like background music, day after day, year after year.

I’d tried so hard—I became convinced that something was wrong with my faith. Perhaps my hidden sin was unbelief, and that’s why the heartache wouldn’t stop. But I couldn’t have been more wrong about God and sorrow. The truth is that sorrow is a gift and it’s never a sin to have a broken heart. Jesus came for the wounded, the weary, and the scarred—the mutants, misfits, and ragamuffins who’ve often felt as though our sadness somehow disqualifies us from abundant life.

When Jesus came, He showed you that you’re worthy of love. He made you to love you, to know and be known by Him, and if you want, to spend forever with Him. He’s gifted you with the opportunity to begin your healing journey by accepting that sorrow is a gift with a purpose: The pain deep in your heart and spirit enables you to acknowledge that you’ve been wounded. It’s time to slow down and get the help and support that you need to heal.

TinyHabit®: Tiny Celebrations of Truth

Like a notification on your phone, sorrow is a prompt to take helpful and healing action. Emotions create habits, and the feeling of sorrow is your invitation to slow down and make your healing the priority.

When prompted by your pain, instead of shaming, judging, and condemning yourself, thank God for the gift of sorrow, and prayerfully allow Him to help you design a response that’s tiny, helpful, and good. Human beings are designed to grow through literal baby steps, so make sure your steps are tiny and celebrate the tiny victories every time! Celebrating codes new habits into your mind for good as you move forward in your healing journey.

Creating good TinyHabits® is as easy as A-B-C!

Anchor Moment: After I feel sorrow . . .

Tiny Behavior: I will take a deep, slow, calming breath (in through the nose, out through the mouth).

Tiny Celebration: Then I will smile and say, “Thank You, Jesus!”