Thankful for the Scars

Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.

John 20:27

Scars are a reminder of where an injury has occurred whether it was intentional such as a surgical procedure or unintentional when an accident happens. Scars tell a story. Have you ever had someone come up to you and see a scar and ask you “how did you get that?” There is a story behind that scar. When I was in high school, I was diagnosed with scoliosis which is an unnatural curving of the spine. If it gets bad enough, it requires surgery. Mine got bad enough. On June 12, 2002, I had back surgery to correct the issue. The surgery was successful with no complications, but it left a scar halfway down my back. Eighteen years later, I still have trouble with my back. I can’t sit in the same place for too long without having to get up and walk around. I need something to lean back on when I am sitting down. Even laying down causes discomfort until I get used to the laying down position.

I have my one big physical scar. Throughout her life, Kati had a few big physical scars whether from kidney transplants or hip replacements along with several "minor scars." That was her story. Without those injuries and scars, she might not have become the strong, caring, empathetic individual whom I love.

Jesus had some pretty significant scars as well. The scars that saved the world.

Music has always been a big part of my life. I love listening to almost any kind of music. It can be such an emotional experience at times. Grieving is also a major emotional experience. Putting the two together can be a tremendous healing event or it can cause your emotions to go further into a whirlwind than they already are. I have experienced both. One of the songs that has helped me in this process is called “Scars” by I Am They. One of the lyrics says “I'm thankful for the scars; 'Cause without them I wouldn't know Your heart.” Without my scars and without Jesus’ scars, I wouldn’t know His heart and His story.

As many miracles and teachings that Jesus performed, when those nails hit his hands and his feet, that became His story. His reason for being here on earth was fulfilled. On September 1, 2018, Kati's reason for being here on earth was fulfilled. At that point, her scars didn't matter to her. She gained a new perfect body. So her scars became pointless, right? Not exactly. Her scars may not be present anymore but they still tell her story. The story can live on long after the scars are gone. Jesus' story didn't end with His scars. Obviously, His story is a little different than anyone else who passes away, but even after His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, His story doesn't end. As Christians, we are called to tell His story. His story becomes our story; His scars become our scars. Matthew 20:28 says "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." That is the story we tell. John 3:16 is the story we tell. We all have scars; we all have a story. But no greater scars, no greater story is thatof a Saviour come to die for the sins of the world.