"To become strong in the broken places in our lives demands that we do two things, seeming opposites: hang in there, and let go. To somehow dig up the courage to keep going is the very courage that allows us to scoop up the broken pieces of our lives and lay them all the the feet of One who would do more in us than just get us through the storm. As James Means said he could take the fire that blackens our horizons and warm our souls with it. He would sharpen our vision in the darkness that oppresses us. He could use the despair of standing at a grave to deepen our trust. This we cannot do for ourselves.

Perhaps because our brokenness brings us to the end of ourselves, it is here, in these jars of clay that we offer us to his very special grace, that God's all-surpassing power is made known and he, indeed makes us strong in our broken places." Verdell Davis-- Riches Stored in Secret Places