I have a reputation for telling long stories. Not bedtime stories. It's more like I start to tell you about my latest good deal from Payless, and the next thing you know, I've told you where and how and when I bought all 50 pairs of shoes I own. (Not an exaggeration, and true story.) And don't come visit me, or I will give you a full genealogy report as we tour my house.
Some of my favorite stories to tell, though, are about scars. See, I have a scar on almost every finger, and a few on each hand. And there's a good story behind each one, because A) I'm a klutz, B) I'm a blonde, and C) I'm a blonde klutz. I clash with things like heating elements and giving dogs haircuts with scissors.
It's fun to tell stories about scars like that, but there are certain scars and stories that I don't share as easily. Like how I don't trust people quickly, or why it's difficult for me to talk to certain people, or how I've had anxiety attacks that leave me useless for an hour or two. I would much rather laugh off those scars and tell you instead about the $350 kitten heels that I bought for $3.50.
I assume it's the same for most everyone else. We'd probably rather cover up our scars and bruises and stuff down the stories behind those ugly marks. Personally, I'm mostly ashamed of mine. They make me look weak and messed up, and goodness knows I want people to think I'm perfect, or, at the very least, that I've got my life together. I'm a Christian. I've been raised in a stable, Christian environment my whole life. God forbid that that image be tainted by blemishes that would suggest otherwise.
...but, no, actually. No, God would actually forbid that I have that attitude. For one thing, who am I kidding? We all know none of the rest of us have perfect lives, so why even try to propagate THAT myth?? Furthermore, our scars, our stains, our bruises, our ugliness: they glorify God. No, really. My pastor's wife, Sis. Jeannie, once stated that "scars show that you've healed." Such a simple statement, yet so profound.
Life is going to throw stuff at you and it's going to hurt you. And there are two ways you can react.
Some of my favorite stories to tell, though, are about scars. See, I have a scar on almost every finger, and a few on each hand. And there's a good story behind each one, because A) I'm a klutz, B) I'm a blonde, and C) I'm a blonde klutz. I clash with things like heating elements and giving dogs haircuts with scissors.
It's fun to tell stories about scars like that, but there are certain scars and stories that I don't share as easily. Like how I don't trust people quickly, or why it's difficult for me to talk to certain people, or how I've had anxiety attacks that leave me useless for an hour or two. I would much rather laugh off those scars and tell you instead about the $350 kitten heels that I bought for $3.50.
I assume it's the same for most everyone else. We'd probably rather cover up our scars and bruises and stuff down the stories behind those ugly marks. Personally, I'm mostly ashamed of mine. They make me look weak and messed up, and goodness knows I want people to think I'm perfect, or, at the very least, that I've got my life together. I'm a Christian. I've been raised in a stable, Christian environment my whole life. God forbid that that image be tainted by blemishes that would suggest otherwise.
...but, no, actually. No, God would actually forbid that I have that attitude. For one thing, who am I kidding? We all know none of the rest of us have perfect lives, so why even try to propagate THAT myth?? Furthermore, our scars, our stains, our bruises, our ugliness: they glorify God. No, really. My pastor's wife, Sis. Jeannie, once stated that "scars show that you've healed." Such a simple statement, yet so profound.
Life is going to throw stuff at you and it's going to hurt you. And there are two ways you can react.
You can choose to let those hurts fester and ache and never heal, and then, for the rest of your life, wear your wounds proudly to show everyone how damaged you are. You can make them into a lovely little chip on your shoulder and then become super sensitive to everything.
Or you can choose to let those hurts hurt as you find ways to heal. You can choose to be open with God and let Him fix you where sin broke you. You can choose to seek out honest, trustworthy people who will listen to you, pray for you, and walk with you as you heal. And before long, you will have a beautiful scar to show what God has done.
Yeah, I said a beautiful scar. Sure, the marks themselves look weird and they feel weird. For me, it hurts to try to function when you have anxiety screaming in your ears that you're a complete and total failure and that everyone you love and respect will never be proud of you. But that's when I can say what Paul said:
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Even though the scar itself may be ugly, the story behind it can be a beautiful testimony of how God loves us and how He cares for us and how faithful and patient He is when we are hurting and broken.
And not only does our story glorify God, it also serves to show the love of Jesus to others. Two years ago, I wrote some words to a friend of mine going through a horrible trial. I truly believe God gave me the words at the time, but I had no idea that I would need those same words myself today.
"Those cracks are painful, and messy, but He will smooth them and gradually ease their pain. Those holes are ugly, and they ache, but He will fill them with His presence, and He will slowly shrink them, over time...God has never needed perfect people or perfect families to spread His witness. Perfect people, if they exist, don’t need God. Hurting people, broken people, flawed people need God. And He wants these imperfect people. So it makes sense that He can best show His love to broken people through broken people. There is our purpose."
So don't be ashamed of your scars. Don't use your wounds as an excuse for bad behavior, or a crutch to gain people's sympathy. But don't be afraid to tell the story of your scars, and don't be afraid to share what God has done.
Even though the scar itself may be ugly, the story behind it can be a beautiful testimony of how God loves us and how He cares for us and how faithful and patient He is when we are hurting and broken.
And not only does our story glorify God, it also serves to show the love of Jesus to others. Two years ago, I wrote some words to a friend of mine going through a horrible trial. I truly believe God gave me the words at the time, but I had no idea that I would need those same words myself today.
"Those cracks are painful, and messy, but He will smooth them and gradually ease their pain. Those holes are ugly, and they ache, but He will fill them with His presence, and He will slowly shrink them, over time...God has never needed perfect people or perfect families to spread His witness. Perfect people, if they exist, don’t need God. Hurting people, broken people, flawed people need God. And He wants these imperfect people. So it makes sense that He can best show His love to broken people through broken people. There is our purpose."
So don't be ashamed of your scars. Don't use your wounds as an excuse for bad behavior, or a crutch to gain people's sympathy. But don't be afraid to tell the story of your scars, and don't be afraid to share what God has done.
