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When Things Meant to Stay Bonded Together Tear

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I sang a rendition of a Twila Paris song at our wedding over 27 years ago—Bonded Together. Originally it’s a love song sung to God, so I slightly altered it and made the person of affection my beautiful bride. I think God (and Twila) was ok with that.

The first verse and part of the chorus goes like this:

[quote cite=”Bonded Together by Twila Paris”]Like tightly woven garment, like metal alloy, we are put together in the strongest way. With a common bond to join us that they cannot destroy we are held together in the longest way. And we could not be pulled apart without tearing out a heart. Bonded together…we are bonded together. [/quote]

Bonded Together

Two experiences this past week shook me. Both hit me in the same day. One was a relationship. The other a tendon in my ankle. Both torn yet meant to stay bonded together.

A Torn Tendon

I enjoy the sport of basketball and play a lot, but I have struggled with foot and ankle pain for most of 2015. I went in for an X-ray this Spring to see if I had a stress fracture. That came back negative. What I know now is that I had a strained or even partially torn tendon.

After some rest, I returned to the court. Then on a morning in late May on the basketball court, I felt a sharp pain shoot up my ankle and shin. I immediately walked off the court.

Not knowing the extent of the injury, I took a conservative approach to treatment (and because of our wonderful medical insurance system that would probably turned down an MRI until I had some treatment done first).

I did see some improvement, yet it stalled. So, we ordered the MRI that revealed a complete tear of my tibialis anterior tendon. I am told that this tendon tear is very uncommon unlike an Achilles tendon tear or rupture.

So this last week I made a visit to a foot/ankle surgeon.

He informed me that I had two choices—do nothing and live the rest of my life with a torn tendon. Or, schedule surgery to attempt repairing the tendon followed by at least six months of recovery.

I left that appointment in a state of shock. I still am not thrilled about either option. I am also challenged with “what if” and “I should have” kinds of thoughts. Tendons are not meant to tear.

Shaken Sense of Security

As I write this, I don’t know what the outcome will be for my torn tendon. I do know that it will involve much pain through a time of recovery. My tendon may not ever repair. But by the grace of God it may, either by his miracle or after an intense period of hard work, not only completely heal, but become even stronger.

Understandingly, when things meant to stay together rip apart, such as our health, a relationship, or anything foundational in our lives, our sense of security is shaken. But I know One who is never shaken. Not only is His sense of security not shaken, He Is Not Shaken.

I believe this because I Know this to be True about God:

  • He Remains the Same. When things tatter, tear, even terminate, God is still who He has always been and always will be. He stays that way.
  • He Heals. From my perspective today, it’s hard for me to see healing for either. But I do know that God is a God who heals. I plead before His throne for this healing.
  • He Restores. God takes what the enemy means for destruction and is a master at making something new and beautiful from it.
  • He Sustains. When things tear that should stay tethered, instability moves in. Everything that is except the One who holds all things together.
  • He Promises. I nor anyone else will ever understand the pain and suffering we face in this life, but He promises us a better day. A day where every tear is wiped away; every body whole; every relationship perfect.

Move in our lives Lord Jesus. We seek Your Healing Touch.

About the Author

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I am a longtime Austinite. Married my beautiful wife over 35 years ago. Adopted our son September 2012.
As a small business and nonprofit coach/consultant, I have found my sweet spot. I lean on my varied background of corporate, small business ownership, writing, and pastoring as I work to help small business owners and nonprofit founders build the business they want to have.


  • Kenny, I appreciate your thoughts on this. The relationship breakup this week also affected Donna and me, bringing back old wounds we thought were over. Thanks for your love and delicacy in this. I am sorry about your tendon; all I can do is commiserate with you. Even if you elect the surgery and long recovery, it sounds like the days on the court are over. “For every thing there is a season”

    • Thanks Ray, yes, I think even with surgery my basketball days are over. I am currently in mourning. I pray for complete healing. I have a young one I need to keep up with for a few more years you know.

  • A beautiful piece today. I have seen great healing in my life and am so thankful for those times. I also am still waiting on Him for healing in other physical and relational areas. But waiting confident in He who began a good work in me. He is indeed ALL you say He is!

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