Broken Into Life: When a Cold Heart Melts

Photo Credit: tsukiko-kiyomidzu/pixabay.com

by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor

Broken. Defeated. A shell of a man.

That’s all that’s left of the man I loved for thirty-one years, partnered with in ministry … raised a family.

That’s all that’s left.

A shell.

After two and a half years of separation, he is back in my home — badly broken, homeless and suicidal.

Photo Credit: coombesy/pixabay.com
Photo Credit: coombesy/pixabay.com

He showed up on my doorstep in early October — no car, no phone, no job, no home, no family. He had walked/hitchhiked for two days to make his way back up our beloved mountain. An emergency family meeting decided he could stay in an extra room upstairs until he was stable enough to live on his own.

And thus began the melting of a cold heart.

Mine.

 

 

Unresolved anger surfaced. Deep wounds of betrayal bled crimson all over my shattered self. I pushed back resentment. Battled bitterness. I stared out the window. A lot.

And the melting continued.

Not toward reconciliation, but toward righteousness. Toward Christlikeness who suffered and died that others might live.

[bctt tweet=”And the melting continued toward #righteousness. @NanJonesAuthor” username=”inspireafire”]

The homeless man fell two weeks ago, breaking his ankle in two places, requiring surgery and metal plates and screws.

Requiring more of the reluctant me.

Photo credit: Unsplash/pixabay.com
Photo credit: Unsplash/pixabay.com

Lord, I can’t do this! I can’t take care of this man who has thrown our love away. I don’t know him anymore. I don’t love him the way a wife loves her husband. I don’t. I can’t.

The cold, hard heart stood in defiance before the throne of God. Stubborn. Stiff-necked.

But then the Lord touched me, gently wiping my tears and spoke to my deepest place, Nan, when you’ve done it unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me.

A torrent of teardrops released — liquid pain — a melting heart warmed by God’s presence.

[bctt tweet=”A torrent of teardrops released, liquid pain, a melting heart warmed by God’s presence. @NanJonesAuthor #Transformation” username=”inspireafire”]

So, is this how it happens — this transforming from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ? Does the warming of a cold, hardened heart come from dying to self and living for Jesus? Loving the least of these so that we honor and care for Him?

It would seem so.

Because the cold heart must melt in order to survive and the melting must be at the hand of a loving God who desires happiness and wholeness for His child.

Healing comes in the giving. Warmth of heart comes in the melting.

And melting comes in dying to self so that others might live.

SELAH

[bctt tweet=”When a Cold Heart Melts @NanJonesAuthor #GodIsGood” username=”inspireafire”]

Photo credit for featured image: tsukiko-kiyomidzu/pixabay.com

Nan Jones

Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. She has been published in several anthologies as well as the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire where she is a monthly contributor. She is also a monthly contributor to PW Connections, a blog and forum to encourage pastors' wives. Nan has had the honor of being featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife released June 30, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. This memoir was a 2016 Selah finalist. When Nan isn't writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord" as she teaches her audience to go beyond the veil to find God's Presence. You may visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com. Nan has also created a facebook community page, Seeing Beyond The Veil, to provide a place for folks to go and get away from the chaos for a few moments and focus on Jesus through scripture, worship, testimony, and inspirational quotes. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@nanjones.com The Perils of a Pastor's Wife is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and LPC Bookstore

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8 comments

  1. Wow! Nan, what a picture of powerful grace! I know you and your story of betrayal. Yet, in all my ugly honesty, I’m more easily swayed to minister and to extend mercy to “the least of these” that I don’t know. The least of these who haven’t betrayed me or my love. The least of these who haven’t hurt me so deeply with the ooze of invisible blood from fresh or unhealed wounds. And the least of these on the other side of the world, not the ones who were a part of my personal world, and who played such an integral role in my world crashing down around me.

    I love these real, raw, and vulnerable words from you. And this, “Because the cold heart must melt in order to survive and the melting must be at the hand of a loving God who desires happiness and wholeness for His child.” Well said, my friend. I am so proud of you and your example to the body of Christ…the bride of Christ. We can be sure of one thing. The bride of Christ will never be betrayed by the bridegroom. Jesus in all His glory loves us with an everlasting love and with eternal truth…helping us to extend this very grace and mercy you write about. You are strong and honorable and godly.

    1. Karen, you honor me with your words. Thank you. But I must say this is the Lord in me. There is no way I can do this in my own strength. It is ALL because of His grace which really is quite amazing. You mentioned the Body of Christ and the needed lesson of extending grace and mercy to others – to the least of these. I believe you are right. “They will know we are His disciples by our love.” Not cheesy, syrupy love, but love such as died on the Cross for us. Thank you for encouraging me.

  2. Karen is right, it is easier to love those ‘ least’ we do not know. God is getting His glory from your life. The angels are leaning in, as the world watches ❤

    1. Sweet Diana, your kind words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. For sure, there are ministering angels all around cheering me on and lifting high the shield of faith when I’m too weary to do so myself 🙂

  3. Hey there, my friend. I’m finally reading your book and also reading your recent posts. As I piece together your story, I can’t help but be amazed by your strength. I know it’s His because you reflect Him well.
    Love and prayers to you <3

    1. Susan, thank you so very much. I’m so glad you’re reading my book 🙂 I pray it will encourage you and give you strength for the journey.

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