I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:10-11, NIV
Nothing like a deep trial to sort out true friends from fair-weather fans. And nothing like shared suffering to solidify bonds as if in cement. While I would never wish the trials I experienced on anyone, I am grateful for the way they transformed me as if burning off the dross to produce gold–both in me and in my relationships that survived the fire. Perhaps you can relate?
There’s a popular song on the radio today that reminds me of the spiritual truth of shared suffering. It speaks to how sharing our vulnerabilities binds us together. And it reminds us that our wounds, or bruises, far from being sources of shame can be sources of bounding and beauty.
The song is entitled “Bruises” by Train featuring Ashley Monroe. I particularly love the lyrics of the chorus:
“These bruises make for better conversation
Loses the vibe that separates
It’s good to let you in again
You’re not alone in how you’ve been
Everybody loses, we all got bruises
We all got bruises”
Click here for the music video.
