We All Have Scars

 I finally had the chance to see the movie "Raggamuffin" which tells the story of Rich Mullins, a phenomenal Christian song writer who struggled with himself and his past. At one point he was talking about not being afraid to have scars and it got me thinking. Most of us have scars both physical and emotional. We have tried things and failed, or we are struggling with our past, or we have a thought pattern that we can't shake. We know we can't be perfect and that everyone struggles; yet, we hide our scars, (our shortcomings) and pretend that things are good, or that we have gotten past something, or that we may be in a difficult situation now but we will get through it soon.

As I was thinking of this God reminded me that Jesus didn't hide his scars, in fact he showed them as proof that he was Jesus and that he had struggled. In two of the gospels he shows his scars. Now, why would he do this when I'm sure his words could have sufficed? I think one reason his scars were resurrected with him is because "by his wounds we are healed" (emphasis mine). He is identifying with our humanity   Because of His obedience to God which resulted in the scars he wore, we were given a new life. The scars are the testament that He overcame.

Our own scars can have the same testimony if we let them. Yes, we struggled. Yes, we fell. Yes, something didn't turn out the way it was supposed to, BUT, through the help of what Jesus did for us and the work of the Holy Spirit, we overcame. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

So, don't hide your scars, show them to others who are struggling. Let them know that Christians have problems too. The bible tells us to confess our faults to one another. This is not so we won't feel guilty anymore. It is to help those who still struggle. Who can understand the temptation of alcohol but an alcoholic? Who can know the pain of having a wayward child but another parent whose child has turned their back on them? I can't count the number of times that friends have encouraged me by sharing their own personal struggles. Showing our scars helps others to realize that they too can overcome whatever trial they are now facing.

When we show our scars, we help others heal. Ironically awesome isn't it?

Daddy Love

A dad is many things to his family: a financial provider, a fan, a hero, and in our home, the one who provides the fun. I appreciate all the roles my husband plays in our lives and have enjoyed many moments watching him with our children; yet, if I had to pick some of my husband's greatest moments, they would include watching him "fall in love" with each of his children.

The first two children who came along were born in a hospital. With these, both boys, the "falling" happened in a hospital room when a nurse brought the baby in from somwhere they had taken him. There was a slow realization of what the bundle held and then his face would go soft and his eyes would glow. He was hooked.

The next two children were born in a birthing center. There our daughters were immediately given to me and my husband was allowed to help clean, weigh and wrap them. Then came the "look" of being handed a precious gift. It was as if there were only the two of them in the room and he had only the little face to adore.

The last two children came to us through adoption and I wondered if I'd see the "look." The first little boy came to us at the age of three. He was with another set of foster parents and we had gone to meet him (an intro. before he was placed with us). As we walked beside him letting him pedal his tricycle, stopping every few feet to point out a truck, I again saw the look of love come over my husband's face. A love mixed with wonder (How do you fall in love with a child you have just met?) The last time we added to our family, we were in another country half way around the world. We were in a conference room with five strangers plus our guide. I didn't see my husband's initial reaction because I was rivited on the young 7yr old standing in the doorway. It wasn't until I stepped aside (the boy wasn't particularly interested in me) and said, "this is your daddy," that I turned my attention to my spouse. As quick as lightening, our newst son had raced toward daddy and flung his arms around his neck. There it was again: the "look" as strong as ever.

So what makes a man a father? He should provide, protect and lead his family, but most important is his willingness to fall in love.