Share Your Scars Well (Your Scars, Your Story)

I think before I got sick, I didn't realize how often God actually allows us to endure the heat of the battle. I also didn't know how many battle scars come with that, but I can better see now how valuable those scars really are. I see how these scars, in the hands of our nail-scarred Savior, can be used for the purposes of His Kingdom and to help others who are going through things we already have or still are. 

I can see how our scars speak to where we've been, what we've been through, and the depth of our healing journeys  (ongoing or complete); it is painful but precious in His hands.

I heard Pastor Rick Warren say after the death of his son that we need more "wounded healers." I totally get that, and I totally agree. 

Somebody whose been-there-and-done-that has credibility like nobody else, and we can deeply relate to them. 

Those somebodies who have kept on keeping on and persevered despite immense suffering, those somebodies who’ve continued to walk the long, arduous walk despite the agonizing setbacks, detours, and obstacles, those somebodies who've been in the craggy places, hellish places, lonely places, and desert places, those somebodies who aren’t afraid to acknowledge the truth of their struggle or how hard it's been, those somebodies who've been in the dirt and the trenches, all the somebodies who are real and genuine.

Yes, them; I want to hear from these people.

I want to hear from those who've been on the front lines of the battle and are banged up, bruised up and scarred up but haven't given up. I want to hear from the ones who've lost a lot but still dare to hold onto hope. Those who've been hurt much yet still love more. Those who've been knocked down time and time again but still manage to get up over and over and over.

These people have keen wisdom and insight, not only because of all they've endured (things most people will never fully know about) but also because they've allowed the Lord to work deeply in them and through their whole painful, ugly mess. 

They know suffering, they know hardship, they know brokenness, and they know God. They know how to lean on Him in hard times; they know how to trust Him and dig in for the long haul.
   
These are the ones who emerge from the smoky haze of battle, scars and all, as the real warriors this world truly needs. They might come out limping, or they might come out crawling, but they come out nonetheless, and they often help bring others out with them. 

They carry the true nature of an overcomer. They don't pretend to have all the answers or make light of the battle. Instead, they're humble, compassionate, resolute, rock solid, and steady. They've developed tough skin and a tender heart—a servant's heart.

Photo Credit: Watson Brown

These are the people who will birth something beautiful from their messes. And a beautiful mess cannot be born apart from God. He's the only one who truly knows how to birth beauty from pain and ashes. He is the one who's birthing these battle-scarred heroes this generation needs.

Perhaps you're one of them. Maybe God is in the process of birthing something uniquely beautiful in you and through you, something only you can give. 

He won't waste anything you're going through, so please don't quit now. Do not give up. I know it hurts, and I know it's crazy hard. I know you can't fully see where this is going but hold onto the one who does—hold onto Jesus and keep trusting Him.

He's working deep and preparing you for your purpose. He's preparing you to administer healing and restoration to broken hearts, broken souls, and broken bodies. He's preparing you to tell your story, and some people will desperately need to hear it because it will give them hope and inspire them to go on.

So when the time is right, share your scars well; they're the proof of what you've been through and uniquely tell your story.

And know this: your scars will one day encourage someone who is in the fight of their life— just like you are now.

Michelle Holderman
Copyright © 2013 

2 comments

  1. Touched my heart and soul...Poignant, profound and so full of promise! Without God, the walk would be meaningless, insurmountable and impossible. Only God can create life from death, and that's what you have done in this piece~

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    1. Anonymous, thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your words very much. I don't ever take it lightly when someone shares from their heart. "Without God, the walk would be meaningless, insurmountable and impossible"....indeed! Much love and hope to you. ~ Michelle

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