BULLETIN NOTES – OCTOBER 1, 2000

Dear Friends and Family,

How often have we complained about the hardships in our lives? How often have we wondered how much better life would be without hardships? Hardships serve a sovereign purpose in God’s plan for our lives. Hardships strengthen our faith, build character, and transform our lives into useful creations for God.

~ Rev. Dr. Sharon Adams

When hardships break us…

A story is told of an Eastern village, which through the centuries, was known for its exquisitely beautiful pottery. Especially striking were its urns, high as tables and wide as chairs, they were admired around the globe for their strong form and delicate beauty.

Legend has it that when each urn was apparently finished, there was one final step. The artist broke it – and then put it back together with gold filigree. An ordinary urn was then transformed into a priceless work of art. What seemed finished wasn’t, until it was broken.

So it is with people! Broken by hardships, disappointments and tragedy, they can be either discarded or healed. But, when mended by a hand of infinite patience and love, the finished product will be a work of exquisite beauty and a life that could only reach its completeness after it was broken.

If you feel broken, remember: You are a work of art! And you may not actually be complete until the pieces are reassembled and bonded with a golden filigree of love.