My morning and evening routine now includes rubbing bio-oil onto my two fresh 6inch scars. I love those fading lines that fill me with gratitude for my new hips.
I think most of us have scars somewhere on our physical bodies. Some are sort of positive scars (like mine); others remind us of a silly story from childhood or our dedication to sport and others are perhaps more difficult to look at – outward signs of inward turmoil or pain; signifying a present or past time of suffering.
After his resurrection, we’re told that Jesus showed his hands and sides to his disciples (John 20:27). His body was healed of the wounds, but he still carried the scars of his crucifixion.
A group of us did the Prayer Course 2 during lockdown, and we heard this quote that has stuck with me –
“On the last day, Jesus will look us over not for medals,
diplomas, or honors, but for scars.”
(Brendan Manning)
It reminds me of Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom, where those who have carried perhaps unnoticed hardship, are seen. Where those for whom clinging onto faith has been about survival, are welcomed in.1
I think our scars can tell a story of God bringing us through. Creating beauty out of something broken. Even those of us who carry wounds not yet healed, we can share of God holding onto us. Our belief in hope despite circumstance.
Jesus’ scars tell a story – one of great pain, transforming into new life. We have our own individual stories but we are a part of that big story too. I am grateful for that.
1 Check out the Unanswered Prayers section at 24/7
Theme photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash