This week in my reel of photo memories this one popped up…
Immediately the words to Ellie Holcomb‘s song, “Just As Good” started echoing in my mind, where they lingered for the rest of the day. “Oh every ebeneezer points to where my help comes from.”
Who would have thought these painful slices would become my stones of remembrance?
The many scars my body carries tell a story of God’s divine assistance and mercy. Times when I have been wounded, but He has allowed healing. Some scars run deeper than others. Some are still in the process of healing, but all of them come with a story of challenge that was met with grace and healing.
At times I feel embarrassed by my wounds, but reality is that these and other marks paint a connect-the-dots picture of my hard-fought story—right on my own skin. They are reminders that I have lived a life not of safety, but of the opposite. I’ve pushed myself, and I’ve been pushed, sometimes too far, and I would not have it any other way.
When I see my scars, I remember the difficult challenges, and the opening of my hands to surrender to an attitude of trust. I see the reminders of accidents and falls where I couldn’t hold myself up, but I was still held. I see evidence of a plot line that included my defeat, but instead is a story of survival.
I am drawn to the lyrics of the song Scars by I Am They. “So I’m thankful for the scars ‘Cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart, And I know they’ll always tell of who You are, so forever I am thankful for the scars.”
It takes some hard-fought determination to be able to see these red and white squiggles carved into my flesh as accomplishments, but that is what has gently happened as the number of my scars has ticked up with each passing year.
I can choose to let my scars only remind me of the pain, or I can let them remind me of the scarred hands that payed my ransom.
Tracing my finger over these raised little lines I’m struck by immense truths. A stunning canvas of struggle, embodied suspense. In every imperfection, strength that can be found; the echoes of hardship that shapes my heart and mind to know and trust a good Father who is writing a good story for me.
Please leave me a comment, it lets me know you’re listening!
Choosing Hope 
beautiful and honest as always Hannah . I love you ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love you too, Aunt Nancy!
LikeLike
Your vulnerability is refreshing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
I look forward to reading your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
I look forward to reading your posts.
LikeLike
You always have a positive perspective, and you continue to keep the faith. Sometimes, God cannot control what happens, but he can always help us get through our tough times, even when they seem impossible. HUGS!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Scars, make me realize, God was with me. 🙏🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Scars are something Jesus still has that show his love for us.
Your scars are the scars of a warrior battling illness with God helped you.
Praying for you little sister
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Battles I’m thankful to have survived! Thanks for your prayers Matt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
our daughter collects scars. 40 surgeries and some artificial parts are a part of her make up. She loves Jesus and feels deeper for others than most could. Somewhere in all of life’s pain there’s a gift that others see. Bigger and greater than can be mustered up by herself. I sense You know about this.
LikeLike
All those little traumas have a way of making us tender to the suffering of others. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
so true. We identify with one another
LikeLike
Thank you as always for your prayers, Matt!
LikeLike
Hannah, this is so encouraging and inspiring and makes me want to cultivate the same, very biblical, perspective. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your encouragement, Craig!
LikeLiked by 1 person