the broken image. Letting go. starting again.
Each year is a unique event. Day by day and moment by moment, we unravel each year of life. Life is a malaise of unknown events. The circumstances that thrust us into difficult experiences, exist simultaneously with joyous moments that lift us off our feet. Relationships are a critical part of the human experience; perhaps, the most essential component of the human journey. In the digital age, relationships seem harder to develop. In relationship we reflect our images to one another. Each of us reflects a distinct and unique human image.
Atkinson and Lloyd reflect on the identity of the human image below:
“We are self-portraits of God, and just as one of the purposes of a portrait is to let others know what someone is like, so one of the purposes of human beings is to reflect the nature of God to one another and to the rest of creation.”
ATKINSON, R. and LLOYD, M. (2023) Image bearers: Restoring our identity and living out our calling. HODDER & STOUGHTON.
Our self concept is the foundation of our image. How we view ourselves, informs how we participate in relationship. Unfortunately, our God reflecting purposes are distorted. If like myself, you experienced abuse or challenging life events, you are well acquainted with the reality of human brokenness.
Human relationships characterised by disrespect, pride, misunderstanding and envy, distort image bearers. Although we are made for relationship, our relationships are broken.
This year I became aware of the broken image in relationships. One striking observation from my experiences is that we want to be connected, but fear holds us back. Fear that originates from difficult relationships in the past, schema from our relationships with our parents or unresolved emotions. This leads to inaccurate interpretations of other people and social situations.
I also experienced restoration through relationships. I met people who mirrored the love of God, people who showed me grace, restoring me to wholeness from feelings of shame. These encounters gave me a reference for healthy relationships. These feminine and masculine image bearers opened my awareness to the nature of God.
Relationships are central to human flourishing. Cultivating the awareness to identify the relationships we need and engaging in relationships openly is healing. For survivors of abuse, re-engaging in relationships can be daunting.
Take your time and give yourself grace. It gets easier. The quicker we let go of unhealthy relational attachments, the quicker we find our life companions. Don’t second guess yourself. Focus on what people do. Be the person you want in your life and don’t settle.
ATKINSON, R. and LLOYD, M. (2023) Image bearers: Restoring our identity and living out our calling. HODDER & STOUGHTON.
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