Redeemed Treasures - Your scars are beautiful to God

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Your scars are beautiful to God

Thanks to the Homeschool Minute I just found the author of the beautiful Christmas passage I posted last week. Her name is Sharon Jaynes and you can click HERE to go to her website. While perusing her site I stumbled on a book that I think I will order called "Your scars are beautiful to God." I read the excerpt and it was great....but just like in "Jerry Macguire" she had me at "hello." Just reading the title almost had me in tears!!

I have some whopper scars on this old bod!! (which will, incidentally, turn 40 in a matter of days). The scar that troubles me most is a rather large keloid that sits in the middle of my neck line (about 2 inches from my collar bone) and causes me to dress like the flying nun. I have trouble wearing anything with even the slightest scoop neck. Imagine how hard it is to find a bathing suit that covers you up to the neck? A dermatologist removed a mole that he thought might be cancerous. It turned out to be fine. And yet instead of focusing on the postive side of it ~ and God's mercy, I still struggle with feeling like people will stare at it and that I will look like a freak. For some reason it seems to be human nature for people to just zero in and focus on scars, deformities and imperfections ~ especially our own.

I have used tons of make-up to cover up Mr. Scar lest he peak out and rear his ugly head. I have worn extremely large jewelry over the spot....gosh, I have even placed double stick tape on pendants to be sure that it stayed hidden. But maybe I have it all wrong. Maybe, now that I am approaching 40 it is time to bear my scars, if not proudly, then with grace. Afterall, I am learning to accept the inner scars that no one sees as part of God's plan. Everything that has been allowed in my life can become a "Redeemed Treaure" if I allow God to redeem it. I believe this with all my heart. He brings beauty from the ashes. So why do I still want to hide this bit of ugliness?

I guess I do need to order this book!! Maybe I need to stop caring about man who "looks on the outward appearance" and trust God who looks at the heart? There is definitely no piece of jewelry that can cover that which is at times truly hideous in my heart ~ and yet, even this God sees and continues to love me and say "You are altogether lovely, My Beloved!!"

These are my thoughts. I will let you know what happens when I read the book!! In the meantime....just let that title minister to your heart: