Beautifully Broken.

Created to create. I was born with a spark of creativity deep within me.

From writing pretend newspaper articles to commercial jingles, every time there was a pen in my hand, I wrote. In second grade, when my class did a poetry unit, I recited my own. In fourth grade, instead of asking for toys for my birthday, I registered in creative writing classes. I started winning public speaking and debate contests in junior high. I had a clear vision for my future: to utilize my words to change people, processes, and the world.

However, as I grew older, my spark was extinguished. I no longer was a naive child who believed my words could change the world. Instead, it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I continued to write as a way to cope with my pain. I hoped that with each word I wrote, some of the weight would lift, and there would be a shift. However, I didn’t believe my life mattered, let alone my words.

Then, I attended Oklahoma Girls State. When I heard that the final candidates spoke to the attendees, I felt like Esther in the Persian diaspora- born for such a time as this. Once again, I had a longing to impact others with my words. Not with the words that won speech contests, or with the words that impressed judges. Instead, with the words of depth and vulnerability, written at my lowest. I shared my story to the three hundred girls with hope to show them they are not alone. My pain was transformed into purpose, and my pitiful words shifted to powerful ones.

Afterwards, others opened up to me about their personal testimonies, and the pieces of the puzzle came together. Instead of living in comparison, we must live with compassion. Instead of acting like we have it all together, we must come together with our brokenness to heal.

I started the Beautifully Broken Blog to fulfill my God given purpose. For I was created to create, and pray my creative outlet will help others.