Beautiful Scars


For years I couldn't figure out my hair-trigger temper, particularly because most of the time, my angry feelings were aimed at me.

Nor could I understand why grabbing a can of green beans from the pantry turned into such a frustrating ordeal when other cans of veggies accidentally spilled onto the floor. I couldn't just pick up the cans and move on. Instead, I'd pitch a fit, wondering why everything was so hard. Then I'd get upset with myself for overreacting to something so trivial.

As I look back on that angry, frustrated young woman, I see someone walking around with gaping wounds, completely unaware she is bleeding.

I lived so long in survival mode that I was tragically distanced from the reality of my traumatic past. But the unacknowledged, unhealed wounds in my heart leaked out anyway. The truth was I had so much pressure inside me from those hurts that every small frustration turned into the proverbial last straw.

But Jesus! He saw this mess of a woman and slowly, graciously, tenderly began healing my heart. Even when we're unable to perceive our deepest needs, Jesus targets the very places in us that need Him most. He healed me and relieved the pressure. And now, most of those wounds are only scars--beautiful scars--precious reminders of my amazing value to Him.

Think about that. The Creator of the universe so esteems us, and places such a high value on our hearts, that He willingly dives into our ugliest parts, leaving us with beauty where once a gaping wound existed.

I wouldn't trade my beautiful scars for anything, and you shouldn't, either. After all, Jesus has them, too.



You shall also be so beautiful and prosperous as to be thought of as a crown of glory and honor in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem, exceedingly beautiful in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:3)



11 comments:

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Julie,
This is so beautifully written. I would like to hear more of your story, sometime. Is it already in your past blog posts?

Fondly,
Glenda

ps. I like your new header. Cute hair.

Cindy in PA said...

Words that continue to bless and beautiful new blog design! Thank you Julie.

Ginny said...

such a beautiful reflection, Julie. As always, I am blessed and touched by your words of truth.

Rachel Beran said...

I love the new header! And, as always, I was blessed by your words. Each of us most definately have our own scars, don't we?! So thankful for the LORD's healing power!

Diane said...

Great post and love the blog makeover. It is really lovely! :O)

Karen said...

Julie, thanks for sharing that. Only God loves to look at our ugly "stuff" 'cause He knows just how to fix it. I love that, Julie. Have a great week!

Kelly L said...

Hi - I am asking for fellow bloggers to visit my site in hopes that we can find a match for a young girl that desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Would be great if you could visit today too. Thank you. Kelly
http://ivebecomemymother.blogspot.com/2011/05/help-save-child-urgent-request.html
I've Become My Mother
I've Become My Mother facebook

deanna - thoughts, prayers, and actions said...

Oh my gosh!!! I thought you were describing me with your first few thoughts ---
I immediately had a lump in my throat and my eyes filled with tears. Thank you for such healing words! Beautiful insight. God's blessings upon you ---

Kathy Collard Miller said...

Thank you, Julie, for reminding us of how important it is to deal with the underlying causes. I need to constantly ask the Lord, "What's at the root of this?" How gracious and patient God is to heal and restore what the locusts have eaten. Thank you!

esss said...

Excellent piece of writing.. keep up the work & please tell me when you are publish more blogs..
Essay Writing

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Amen, Amen, Amen! This is so true, and beautiful, Julie!

PS. I'll be at She Speaks with Kelly Combs (Chatty Kelly). I'd love to meet you while we are there!

Your website looks great!

Sonya

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