We were discussing Marijean’s vulnerability and how it mirrored Mary Magdalene’s act of breaking the alabaster jar of perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. Just as Mary’s precious perfume filled the room, Marijean’s openness had filled the church with a beautiful sense of devotion and a genuine desire to serve God wholeheartedly. It was in this moment of reflection that Steve turned to me and said, “Write me a song about that.”
He elaborated, “I want to record a song that will always remind me what true ministry should be: an irresistible fragrance born from a vessel that is willingly broken.” This powerful image of brokenness and fragrance resonated deeply.
Steve rejoined the others, leaving me with the profound request. I found a yellow notepad and began to write. The lyrics that emerged became “Broken and Spilled Out.” The words resonated deeply within me, capturing a longing to offer Jesus the very best, the purest devotion of the heart. Bill George, a gifted keyboardist, composed the music, and Steve went on to record the song, imbuing it with heartfelt emotion.
“Broken and Spilled Out” has become a profoundly meaningful song for me personally. It serves as a constant reminder that authentic love – a love that transcends superficial concerns with appearances or outward images – is essential. Only a love willing to pour out its most treasured essence at the feet of Jesus can create the kind of spiritual fragrance that draws both skeptics and believers into His presence. This Broken Song speaks to the heart of true worship.
The lyrics themselves tell the story:
Broken and Spilled Out
One day a plain village woman,
Driven by love for her Lord,
Recklessly poured out a valuable essence
Disregarding the scorn.
And once it was broken and spilled out,
A fragrance filled all the room,
Like a pris’ner released from his shackles,
Like a spirit set free from the tomb.
Broken and spilled out just for love of You, Jesus.
My most precious treasure, lavished on Thee;
Broken and spilled out and poured at Your feet.
In sweet abandon, let me be spilled out and used up for Thee.
Whatever it takes to be Yours, Lord;
Whatever it takes to be clean-
I just can’t live without Your sweet approval,
No matter what it may mean!
I throw myself at Your feet, Lord,
Broken by Your love for me;
May the fragrance of total commitment
Be the only defense that I need.
Lord, You were God’s precious treasure,
His loved and His own perfect Son,
Sent here to show me the love of the Father;
Yes, just for love it was done!
And though You were perfect and holy,
You gave up Yourself willingly;
And You spared no expense for my pardon-
You were spilled out and wasted for me!
Broken and spilled out- just for love of me, Jesus.
God’s most precious treasure, lavished on me;
You were broken and spilled out and poured at my feet.
In sweet abandon, Lord, You were spilled out and used up for me.
This broken song, “Broken and Spilled Out,” is more than just a melody and lyrics; it’s a declaration. It’s an invitation to embrace vulnerability and offer our whole selves to God. It’s in our brokenness, in our willingness to be “spilled out” for Him, that we release a fragrance of true worship, a fragrance that draws others closer to the heart of Jesus. The power of a broken song lies in its honesty and its raw expression of devotion.
