SCARS, WOUNDS, AND HEALING

Saturday morning often means yard work.  I was trimming some mature bushes when I went too deeply into the bush where there was no longer growth and created a noticeable scar.  I stepped back to assess the damage and remembered a scar down my left arm from heart surgery several years ago when they moved a blood vessel from my arm to my heart.  So, in life there are scars of various kinds.  The scar in the bush will likely be covered over and disappear with time as the bush continues to grow.  The scar on my arm is permanent. 

 I remember a student once noticed the long scar down my arm.  He asked “What happened to your arm?”  Jokingly I answered saying, “I had a rough childhood!”  His eyes got big and I could see the mental wheels turning imagining what kind of childhood that must have been.  Then, to his relief, I told him I was only kidding and explained what happened.  Thankfully, physical wounds heal, but leave scars.  Some small scars from my childhood are gone.

Some scars you cannot see.  They are emotional and long lasting.  Some wounds don’t heal and continue to hurt.  I have a friend who after a long, laudable life of leadership was publicly accused of something quite disparaging and out of character.  His reputation for character took a terrible hit.  For years he returned again and again to the situation visiting with me the reasons he was so wrongfully accused and hurt.  One morning over breakfast I finally said to him, “Listen.  We’ve covered this ground many times.  If your heart is going to heal, you must stop picking at the scab.  If you don't, your wound won't heal.  If you do, you will likely have a scar.  Some scars fade with time.”

When I think of my friend, I remember a helpful book by United Methodist pastor David Seamand's entitled Healing of Memories.  I look back and wish now that I had a copy of that book then to pass on to my friend.  If you know someone who struggles with open wounds of memories not yet healed, you may find David Seamand’s book on line at Amazon.  Praise God for the wisdom of Christian writers and the balm of the Holy Spirit's counsel.  Thanks be to God for the right words for hurting friends. 

. . . and by his wounds we are healed.  -  Isaiah 53:6b