As I opened up my laptop, my screensaver appeared on the screen. It’s a lovely picture of me, if I
dare say so myself. It was taken on a day that was not one of my best days, but has become a
precious memory.
As I looked closer, I noticed something was wrong with my image. Apart from a slight dullness of my skin that day, which could easily be treated or improved by ‘Photoshop’, I noticed something else. Centimetres from my neckline was a two-inch scar, which I got almost twenty years ago. {It was a scar from one of those calendars made like a poster with lightweight metal framing it only at the top and at the bottom.
For some reason, as I walked past the calendar, my collarbone got stuck, or came in contact with it
and it tore at my shoulder.
It was not deep, I do not remember it bleeding much; it just formed a fine line like a deep scratch
and slowly healed soon after.
Sadly, because of its position, it itched sorely as it rubbed against every shirt or dress I wore. When I
wore something with a wider neck, people would ask me what happened with more curiosity than
care.} The scar looked like a very straight line, drawn neatly and intentionally, not like something that happened by accident. [but like I was held hostage by a calm but deadly killer who cut me to prove he was serious to those who tried to negotiate my rescue.] Guess I’ve watched too many movies. 🙂
I was never worried about that scar, not just because I am dark-skinned, but because I have had
worse injuries, burns, and the like that faded without a trace over the years. I thought this one had
disappeared as well, until my eyes fell on the enlarged version of that photo and I realised that,
though faded, the scar was still there.
Some things happened to us in the past, small or big, that shape us or affect us more than
we thought they would. We thought they would fade with time and we would be over them, but
sadly, just when we think they are over and dealt with, the scars resurface, reminding us of that old
pain and causing us to wonder if they will ever go away.
A wise man once said that when you fall, or when life ‘happens’ to you, it never leaves you the same. It either leaves you bitter or it leaves you better.
I may not know about the scars you have from your past, marks, experiences or imperfections you
have fought hard to erase or perhaps allowed to fester because you chose to avoid issues around
them rather than dealing with it and healing.
Never let the pain of your past hold back your present, or endanger your future. ‘Treat’ your scars by learning the priceless pearls of wisdom they carry. If anything, wear your scars with pride; they prove that you are brave, that you are human, that you survived.
You do not have to share your scars with the world, or spend time focusing on them or ignoring
them altogether. Share your truths with those who truly love you and are willing to be patient with
you while you heal.
I do know one thing about scars: they may not disappear, but they are proof that healing is possible.
Whatever scar you are facing or have to confront all over again, know that ‘this too shall pass’. And if it doesn’t, a day will come when it will be a distant memory, or perhaps a memory that hurts less
every day.
There is a ‘friend that sticks closer than a brother’, and his name is Jesus. He is the best, strongest
and most loyal support system and healer of bruises that I know. He may not take the scars away,
but he can make sure it doesn’t hurt anymore. What scars are you holding today? Let him know
about it, trust him to help you.
“Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.” You are not alone in your journey or experience; everyone has scars they are trying to hide or deal with.
Scars may not always fade, but you can choose to decide how you see them. No matter how long it
takes, you can get over your scars and positively see them. Keep looking and moving forward till your scars no longer scare you or hold you back.
Rooting for you always,
Cheers!
