August 2, 2026

We are imperfect beings. At some point in our lives, we might have felt broken as well, whether it is from heartache, broken trust, physical hurt, or spiritual bereavement.

What is the “beauty in brokenness?” It is a concept that honors how our struggles and flaws are-rather than diminishing our worth-add depth and value to our stories. This philosophy of finding beauty in brokenness appears across different fields of art, philosophy, faith, spirituality, psychology, and everyday life.

“Broken things are not destroyed; they are changed,” wrote blogger Jesse Kapfo.

One perspective that is beautifully expressed is Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with powdered gold or silver. The idea behind kintsugi is highlighting the damage as an essential part of the object’s unique history.

It goes beyond pottery. Kintsugi symbolizes human resilience and emotional healing. This metaphor encourages us to be vulnerable and authentic.

Earlier this week, my husband was watching a WWE documentary show, “Unreal,” which featured a talented female wrestler from Chile, Stephanie Vaquer. Early in her wrestling career in Mexico, her opponent kneed her in the face, fracturing facial bones and her nose. After that injury, she was not sure if she would wrestle again and if she did, she feared doing some moves could cause serious injury again.

Vaquer explained why her character has certain marks painted on her face. She said that she uses make up to highlight her scars from her facial fractures and not hide them. In her spare time, she has taken up the hobby of kintsugi to remind her that she has healed from her brokenness.

I came across a blog on the Valparaiso University website by its chaplain. Pastor Jim wrote that the greatest thing that we can do for whole-hearted living is to be vulnerable, to be honest about cracks.

Let us forget perfectionism. Instead, seek out beauty in the brokenness of the world. Rather than hide our fractures or the scars, we can highlight them as badges of perseverance, resilience, and strength. We can learn to make the most of our vulnerability as a strong and treasured trait.

According to the nonprofit My Refuge House, as a culture in the western world, we have been taught to revere perfection. In our western culture, we revere a productivity that produces workaholics and a beauty that is impossible to achieve.

“There is a unique beauty in broken things,” wrote Kapfo,  “which I have learned to understand not merely through observation, but through living with that experience.”

There needs to be a strong push to move away from perfectionism. It is important to highlight our scars because they tell our story. I want you to lean into another Japanese philosophy called Wabi-sabi. It is a little broader concept than kintsugi. It is an aesthetic which celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of life. It encourages letting go of the need for flawlessness and instead appreciating the authentic, weathered beauty of life.

Seek out the beauty in the brokenness. Dare to be imperfect. Dare to show your cracks. Dare to be true to who you are and have become.

“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are.”  —  Brene Brown, author of The Gifts of Imperfection

Resources:

Image retrieved on 8/2/2026 from https://www.magnific.com/free-photo/still-life-burnt-paper-with-carnation-flower_37446752.htm#

Bolinger, Susan. “Your Identity in Christ-Finding Beauty in Brokenness.” Retrieved on 7/29/2026 from https://www.facebook.com/BloomLadiesMinistry/posts/your-identity-in-christ-finding-beauty-in-brokenness-there-is-beauty-in-the-brok/934292118819420/

Brown, Ph.D. and L.M.S.W., Brene. The Gifts of Imperfection: Your Guide to a Wholehearted Life. Hazelden Publishing. Center City, MN.©2010

Kapfo, Jesse. “The Beauty of broken Things.” 11/29/2024. Retrieved on 6/4/2026 from https://medium.com/@jessekapfo/the-beauty-of-broken-things-481b9649ad5c

My Refuge House. “Wabi Sabi: Beauty in Brokenness.” 11/27/2012. Retrieved on 6/4/2026 from https://myrefugehouse.org/2012/11/27/wabi-sabi-beauty-in-brokenness/

Valparaiso University. “Seeing beauty in the brokenness.” 7/16/2021. Retrieved on 6/14/2026 from https://www.valpo.edu/devotionals/seeing-beauty-in-brokenness-2/