Scars. We all have them and no one is immune to them. We are made to scar, it is how we heal. I have a new scar vertically across by abdomen about 10 inches long from a 7 hour surgery and 31 staples. On Friday, April 11th I underwent a life changing surgery to improve my health and quality of life.
Surgery went fabulously, much better than anticipated because of God's touch on my life and I went home just 4 days after surgery rather than the anticipated 5-7 day stay. My body has healed well, no complications from surgery and I am already feeling much better. But still the scar remains. This physical scar that has now become my favorite of many surgery battle wounds. I have scars all over my abdomen and back from multiple surgeries beginning when I was just a few months old.
Scars are powerful. Scars mean something has healed. The pain is gone from what was injured, impacted or abused when a scar is left. It's a reminder that life goes on.
Saturday, the day after surgery, I was in a lot of pain. Sick to my stomach and had a horrible headache. In that moment when all I could do was close my eyes and pray I was a reminded that this would be over soon. That this temporary pain and discomfort would be worth it. But, it didn't take away the turmoil I felt all day.
Saturday came to an end, the pain continued to lessen and I became stronger. I soon was able to walk up and down the halls of floor 4A at OHSU in Portland, OR. Then I was able to shower and even feel like walking outside.
You see, friend, this is how it is with all scars. They begin as a painful process and with time become less and less painful. As I write this today I can say less than one month from surgery I feel no pain where I was once cut open.
God wants to do this in our hearts, if we would let Him. He wants to lead us down a path much like the small steps I made away from laying in a hospital bed to now going back to work in just two days. Maybe you are like me and have memories from your past that in some small way still impact your decisions today as an adult. They are like a scar that has not healed. Or perhaps the incision, if you will, was just made and it feels like it will never heal. It will. I promise.
The awesome hidden power of scars is that the scar is to not disable us or inhibit us, but rather remind us of where we have been. When I look at a very crooked, messy, and fresh scar across my abdomen I see the healing power of Jesus in my life. I see friends who have lifted me up both in prayer and in deed. I see meals brought to my home. I envision a full waiting room of loved ones while I was away for over 7 hours in surgery. When I touch my rigid and bumpy scar I feel the love of my sweet husband who has been my faithful and dedicated companion throughout this journey and the loving arms of my son who has hugged me when I was crying tears of pain. Most of all, I am reminded that my life goes on and I am a daughter of the King!
We all have scars. They hold unimaginable strength and wisdom. Strength to carry on and wisdom to make the best decisions possible. This process towards my restored health has brought so many lessons. The heartfelt lesson I am most thankful for in this moment is the realization that I can let scars be there both physically and emotionally, but not be defined by them, rather know are just now a part of me, but not all of me.
The hidden power of scars depends on how deeply we are willing to look at them, feel them and own up to how they got there. If you have any need for prayer regarding "scars" that just won't heal in your life I would be honored and humbled to pray with you. Friend, our Jesus, has scars. He has them to show us that He has taken care of our needs and provided for our futures. He longs for us to live in liberty and in the power of His glory in us.
Thankful for my scars,
Sarah
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