Seldom does a song speak as powerfully to a painful need in our society as this one by Austin French. His newly released song “Broken Home” speaks to a place of struggle for so many who will read these words.
Here is a link to his video. You can copy and paste it into your browser. Or search for the video with lyrics. youtube.com/watch?v=FYPdQVEl6bQ
I offer four insights.
First, the pain is real. Austin’s video speaks of children who do not understand why things have happened. Their lives suddenly turned upside down. “Feeling like a deck of cards always shuffled ‘round.” No matter how effective you have been in guiding your children through this, if your family has been broken, your children will struggle at some point with thinking they are somehow to blame.
Parents, if your children have been through this pain may I suggest you watch this video with them. Let them talk of their pain. If you are a child of a broken home, I hope you will hear me say your pain is heard. Your heartache is felt. It was NOT your fault on any level.
Second, EVERYONE needs grace. This author does not stand on any soap box and certainly is not offering condemnation. I am a child of a broken home. I say this with no judgment on my parents. And, unfortunately, my children have seen a broken home. I have walked this road, which may be a part of the reason I have been so touched by this song.
Perhaps your home broke against your every wish. Or you may have made a mistake that caused a fissure in your home. No one is pointing a finger at you. Every one of us needs grace. God is a forgiving God. Come to Him for mercy.
Third, there is hope for the future. I love the third verse offered by Austin French. You can make a new future. Your history does not define you. You can find strength from God. With His strength you can live beyond your history.
Finally, God WILL redeem the pain you have endured. God will make something positive. “All things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28) The pain you endured will never be good in itself, but God can bring something good from it.
I offer these insights but realize my words do not improve in any way on this song. May God bring healing to your heart through this song and hopefully my brief words.
