It was December 5, 2011. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day.
That was the day our daughter was injured in a car accident.
That was the day she received a noticeable scar on her beautiful face.
That was the day God spared her life.
The photos of the accident and of her car still give me the shivers.
The days that followed her accident were difficult. Our daughter hated the gash in her forehead. She hated her stitches. And she knew she was going to hate her scar… forever. After all, it was her senior year of high school.
Why did this have to happen anyway?
Over the next several months, she followed doctor’s orders and took care of that scar. So much so, you have to look closely to see it today.
(Isn’t she beautiful!?)
Scars.
We all have them.
Some are visible, like my daughter’s. Yet, some we can’t see. Sometimes those are the ones that can be the most deep and take the longest to heal.
The scars left on the heart after an emotional battle.
The scars remaining from unkind words.
The lasting scars of hurtful memories and painful moments.
Yes, scars can be painful. Scars may seem anything but pretty. But, there’s more good found in scars than we realize.
A scar is evidence of healing.
A scar appears after healing is already at work. A wound that hasn’t healed doesn’t have a scar. And we all know there’s goodness and blessing in healing.
My daughter’s scar reminds me of the “swoosh” of a well known athletic company. But it also reminds me how God’s sovereign hand is upon her. It reminds me of His faithfulness and love. It reminds me of His healing power.
I will give you back your health again and heal your wounds. Jeremiah 30:17a TLB
And one more…
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NIV
In writing this post, I texted my daughter and asked her how she feels about that scar on her forehead today.
Her reply:
“I wish it was more visible because it’s a part of my past and it makes me who I am. I love it. I think it looks super cool.”
We can learn to love our scars.
They are a part of who we are. They are part of our story. They can be “super cool” if we allow them to be.
And, our scars can help others.
If you have a scar or two on your heart? You can relate to another who does.
If your scar is in your memories? You can help someone else who’s scar is in his.
If your scar reveals a physical injury? You can give another hope who is waiting on healing.
God can use even our scars for good.
Friend, I’m praying for you today. I’m praying you can see your scars in a new light… not as something ugly, but as something beautiful, unique, and special. Your scar is a part of you, and that alone makes it beautiful. That alone makes it “super cool.”
You are loved, my friend. You are loved!
Blessings,
Julie
It gives me great joy to link up with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday. It’s a “super cool” day to live free!
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Loved this. And yes, you’re daughter is beautiful. I’m thankful God spared her life that day! My daughter is a senior in high school right now and I can’t imagine! And you’re so right, we CAN learn to love our scars!
Hug that girl of yours, Shannon. They are so precious, and yes, I’m thankful God spared her life that day too. Thank you for stopping by and sharing. It’s a gift to walk through life with one another in this community! Blessings to you!
Beautiful story, Julie. I love my #livefree friends and their passionate desire to know God and make Him known. It is a “super cool” day to live free.
Hi Sarah! Thank you for stopping over and sharing today. It is a “super cool” day. Thanks for blessing me today!
Evidence of healing, yes, and evidence that God is and has been at work in our lives. So thankful that in this world of scars, we know the Healer.
Yes, Michele. So thankful for our Healer! Thanks for stopping over today! Blessings to you.
Your daughter is beautiful. I’m so grateful you still have your precious daughter with you. #livefree
Thank you, Suzie. I’m grateful too! Thanks for hosting us again for #livefreeThursday!!
I have a scar on my forehead too..from when I fell off a lawn chair when I was little and cut my head open on the sharp part of the chair. I love your daughters response to your question. It is part of who she is.
Amen, friend. I find it wonderful you and my daughter have this in common. You’re such a blessing, Tara!
Oh so true Julie. I loved this. Thanks so much for sharing.
Kami! You’ve blessed me here. Thanks so much for stopping over and saying a few words. I appreciate you and hope all is well with you and Brad!
What a great thought that our scars show that God’s sovereign hand has been upon us. You’ve been through every parents’ nightmare. I’m so thankful your beautiful daughter is OK. Cindy #livefreeThursday
I’m thankful she is okay too, Cindy. I’m thankful God has us in the palm of His hand! Thanks for sharing here today.
Beautiful, Julie! I’ve come to learn that scars can make us more approachable…in our hearts and to others. Love your encouragement!
Good thoughts, Sabra. More approachable, indeed. Thank you for stopping over. Blessings to you!