There’s a quote that says, “Every scar tells a story.” I have always found this poetic sentence strangely beautiful; and over the years, it has come to hold deep meaning for me. For I have had to ask myself, ‘Are my scars worth the story they tell?’
What is a scar? A scar is a wound that has been healed, but not forgotten. It is a mark that continually reminds you of the pain you have survived.
Scars showcase both your vulnerability and your strength. You were hurt, yes. Perhaps you nearly died. But in the end, you’re here, alive and breathing. You were stronger than that which tried to take you out.
When I was a kid, I thought scars were cool. I reveled in my father’s tales of where his scars came from. When I’d get a scratch or a scrape, I would eagerly look to see if it left a scar (after getting over the pain, of course).
Once, I was holding my friend’s bunny and it scratched me. The scratch left a red mark, which later turned into a slight white line. I was thrilled that it might stay with me forever ... but eventually it left me (it was a sad day when I realized the mark was gone).
Another time in my mid-teens, I was shoving a chicken carcass into a very full trashcan, and I cut myself. The middle finger of my right hand jammed into the edge of a metal can. The cut dug deep, and blood began gushing forth.
I immediately grabbed some paper towels and applied pressure to my finger to stop the bleeding. After at least twenty minutes, the bleeding finally subsided. When I removed the blood-soaked paper towels, there was a ½ inch cut that went deep into my skin.
I kept a bandaid on it for a few weeks, and it healed. But it left me with a scar – just a little white bump – to remind me of that moment for the rest of my life.
The novelty and ‘coolness’ of scars was no longer a thought in my mind. At the end of that ordeal, I was just grateful my finger had healed and I didn’t need any medical assistance.
You are welcome to laugh at my silly scar stories, but I want you to know that scars matter (even the more amusing ones). Scars aren’t something to hide away or cover up. Your scars, and my scars, are important and worthy of attention.
I don’t have many physical scars, but I do have emotional and relational scars. If you were to pull out my heart (not literally, please), you’d see various marks decorating it.
Scars can be hard to live with, if you view them as ugly or as signs of weakness. I used to feel that way about my scars.
But Jesus taught me that my scars are beautiful. They are a witness to my strength and my ability to get through.
• I’ve been healed from being molested.
• I’ve been set free from addiction.
• I’ve walked through depression and come out with joy.
• I’ve survived the pain of rejection, and I’ve entered into my identity as one who is accepted.
• I’ve endured painful relationships, yet I haven’t given up on people.
• I’ve been hurt ... but not taken out.
• I’ve been broken ... but never irreparable.
• I’ve been distressed ... but never have I despaired of life.
• I’ve reached the end of my limits ... but I have not given up.
I have made it.
This is what my scars tell me. I have made it through. Not only have I survived, but I have thrived in the love of my Father. Jesus has made a way for me, and He has led me into life and fullness.
I’m heading towards His very best for me; and no matter what the enemy sends my way, I will not back down. No matter how hard he tries to take me out, he will not succeed. I am safe in my King’s arms. I am strong. I am able. I am enough.
I come with scars. They don’t detract from my beauty – they add to it. You can take them or leave them, but they are a part of me that I will not hide. Like a warrior who’s made it through the battle, I wear my scars as tokens of my victory.
My scars tell a story. They speak of a life that has struggled, and fought, and won. They speak of triumph and strength. Most of all, they speak of my God, Who can carry me through anything, and Who turns all things for good.
It may seem odd that our Lord would let us live with scars. But remember: Jesus kept His scars. The holes in his hands and side are still there (see Luke 24 and John 20). The Lamb of God is not some cutesy, fluffy creature, but rather a war-worn, battle-won Lion (see Revelation 5). Our King doesn’t shy away from displaying His scars. He wears them with dignity, as a sign to all of what He did for us.
If Jesus isn’t afraid to array His scars, then you have no need to hide yours. Where are your scars? What stories do they tell? What strength do they display? What victories do they whisper to your heart?
No matter how flawed or disfigured you feel, don’t allow the enemy to lie and tell you your scars are signs of weakness. No, dear one; your scars showcase your strength. You have walked and fought with bravery and courage. Don’t give up or back down now. Allow your scars to become emblems of triumph to you.
You have come so far; come further still. Your Father has more for you. You may pick up a few more scars along the way, but I promise that they will be worth it.
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