Scars.

After a busy, but wonderful weekend, my heart is light and so full! I'll have more to share later in the week, but for now, this is what is on my heart...

Friday evening I attended the women's rally at JRA and it was nothing short of inspirational. The focus was on our pains, our hurts, and what God wants to do with those. It was about God using our story to share His story; it was about allowing our wounds to be turned to scars. This may not sit right with you at first; allow me to explain. Wikipedia says this about scars:

"Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after injury. A scar results from the process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound (e.g. after accident, disease, or surgery) results in some degree of scarring."

We all face pain and hurts. As imperfect humans living in an imperfect world, we hurt from others, and inadvertently hurt others. It is part of our fallen world. When wounds are fresh, they hurt the most. Sometimes we are in shock; sometimes we can' even bear to look at them. Sometimes people avoid us until we are "cleaned up" because they just can't handle it. Sometimes the restoration and "fixing" process is messy, and painful.

BUT...

Then there is the healing process that sets to work...the wound reparations. See, a scar is not a mark of unhealed hurts; it's the mark of the healing process at work. It's a symbol of hope to those who see and understand. Wow, pretty powerful thought to think on, isn't it? I never used to look at scars like that. But then I was reminded of Jesus-He was healed and whole as He walked on earth...yet carried His scars with him. They were a powerful symbol that stood for redemption in a way that changed the world for all eternity.

So...what if we looked at our scars as the process of wound repair, instead of a "bad reminder?" What if we chose to seek out the Word and what it says about healing? I read this today and it fits right in. It comes from Matthew 4:24 in the MSG: "

He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all."

So...what can Jesus heal us from? Everything. Diseases. Effects of sinful choices. Mental struggles. Emotional battles. Physical crisis. EVERYTHING. He healed them, ONE AND ALL.  He brought healing from their wounds, and left them with the mark of a scar. Why? So they may use what the Lord has done in their lives to draw others to Him. That is what we are commissioned to do on this earth. 

Do you have scars? Do you have open wounds that are not healing? Run to Jesus. He can and will heal you; one and all. Your scars are a powerful tool. Someone is waiting to hear your story. Don't cover up your scars...share them with a world who is desperate to know there is hope in the midst of heavy wounds.