Inside Out
A few months ago, I did a surgery which left my stomach scarred in four different places. At first, I had to get used to the idea that many things that I was accustomed to would be difficult, at least for a while. As simple as it may sound, using the bathroom, taking a shower or even getting out of bed at some point in my recovery, was a painful endeavor.
About the third week in my recovery, I noticed that the areas where the wounds were had started to itch. I loathe itches; hence, in the winter months I am very particular about even the lotion I use. I am aware that our skin dries out more than usual, and for that reason I try to be deliberate about drinking a lot of water and using anti-itch hydrating lotion.
In this case, the itching signified more than just that it was late November and the beginning of the winter season, it signified healing. Once the wound started itching and the areas around it became darker, there was visible proof that healing was taking place. The healing was not just on the outside, it was from the inside out.
Talk It Over
Genesis chapter 37 verses 18 -36, gives an account of the story of Joseph and his brothers. After being sold to the Egyptians, Joseph lived with his brothers’ ruses constantly being the thorniest of wounds inflicted time after time. I would like to imagine that before he advanced to Prime Minister, he had many days where he reminisced, and it felt like he was being hurt all over again.
In Genesis chapter 42 verses 1-28, Joseph met his brothers again and recognized them, even though they did not recognize him. He could have maintained his pompous retort towards them but instead, he extended mercy. Joseph’s heart was broken, he cried many times, but he held on to his wound.
The story continued in Genesis chapter 45 where Joseph could no longer hide all that he felt. In order for him to heal, he needed to speak up and share the burden that he was keeping to himself. Talking it over was not only medicinal for Joseph, but it was also a healing experience for those who had hurt him. Forgiveness could be reciprocated, and healing could take place.
One might argue that much like an itch, Joseph’s urge to speak intensified the more he saw his brothers. Instead of using it as a token of revenge, Joseph shared how his experience was God’s doing. This was elucidated in Romans chapter 8 verse 28 where Paul pens “And we know that in all things God works together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
If Joseph could heal, we should too. When we are hurt by someone and the dreadery of past insults rest so heavily on us, we should not think of it as futile that we too need to get rid of the itch. In the same way when we struggle with something, whether it be sexual immorality, covetousness or pilfery, talking it over is an important part of healing. This provides accountability and takes some of the weight of the struggle off one’s shoulder.
Share the burden
James Chapter 5 verse 16a coins it beautifully, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” Though struggles often come off as shameful, resulting in us being dubious about how we may be perceived once we share our truth, it is worth it to speak out.
There is no use carrying a weight solo that was meant to be shared. Part of casting your cares on Jesus, according to 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7, is sharing that burden with someone else. Godly accountability brings peace that foreruns healing which is the children’s bread.
The scar remains
Even though we grow them out eventually and science and technology has created enough dermatologically proven supplies to seemingly “get rid of them”, scars remain. Delightfully though they remain, at some point, they become insignificant to the naked eye.
To the one who endured the wound and the one who has healed, a scar is a canvas of beauty to remind us that we have survived 100% of our worst days, and we have healed and continue to heal from 100% of the things we thought would kill us.
Our scars allow us to have a better acumen of people and their own battles. We too have endured similar battles and wear scars as memorials of wounds that itched but eventually healed.
Heal
I dare you to share your story and heal from your past. Don’t suffer in silence and continue to condemn yourself for your immature and ignorant indiscretions. Look how far you have come! Please know that the enemy can only hold you hostage to what he knows you fear. Do not give him that power. “Overcome (that fear) by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony…” (Revelations chapter 12 verse 11).
And when you have satisfied that itch, walk in the liberty that Christ has given you, knowing that who the Son sets free is truly free indeed according to John chapter 8 verse 36. God does not condemn you. You can walk in liberty with your head held to God. You do not need anyone putting you down as you are already on the ground. Do not let that “anyone” be you.
Relieve that itch, take the steps you need to, and heal.