Scars

The picture above is what would later be my biggest scar. It’s also the largest outward symbol of the inner battle my body has taken on to keep me going. 2015 was the year I had many battles. That year, I had two major surgeries – each with about a week inpatient stay. I also had four outpatient surgeries and another week in the hospital for an infection around the drain tube in my leg.

Recently, I was reflecting on that year and other surgeries and hospital stays. The song, “Scars” by Christian group I Am They, started playing.

The song, of course, is about Jesus’ scars. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but think of my own scars. Multiple surgeries have left me with multiple scars.

These scars are an outward sign of the battle my body has been through. Every surgery creates a new scar. Some are visible and some are on the inside. Scar tissue builds up. That can create other issues.

Scars don’t have to be a bad thing. Every new scar, and, even the layers of scar tissue can make you stronger. I have learned that the battles our bodies fight make us stronger, make us who we are . . . who we’re meant to be.

A health diagnosis can change your life in an instant. And, you are left with scars . . . physical and mental. The physical scars are visible. People have an idea you have been through something. The invisible scars are no less traumatic.

Let your scars – visible and invisible – be a map of your journey. Scars can tell where you have been, while showing your inner strength.

I know I am thankful for my scars. I would not be who I am without my scars and the journey they have brought me through.

Reflection: Be thankful for your body, including all your scars. You can’t appreciate where you are without the entire journey.