No one escapes this life without his fair share of wounds. And certainly we shouldn’t make idols of these wounds or allow them to cause us to play the victim in life. At the same time, wounds are still prone to leave their mark and shape our approach to life even once we’ve experienced healing and peace regarding them.
Of course, we should seek healing and redemption from the many issues that have injured our souls. But healing doesn’t mean we can live as if we never experienced the wound.
Wounds tend to leave scars. And a scar is a healed wound that has left its mark. And these scars will shape our approach to life even though the original wound has been healed.
For instance, those with abandonment wounds might always have a special desire for deep bonds of connection more than the next guy. While their wound no longer fuels their anxiety and fear of being abandoned, they’ve developed a deeper appreciation for connecting with those in their life.
Likewise, those with a father or mother wound might always be drawn to certain masculine or feminine reflections. While no longer desperately turning these reflections into idols, there might remain a keen appreciation for the grace offered through these image bearers of God.
Recognizing our wounds shape us allows us to cultivate our heart of gratitude. Denying the wound and its influence in our life is often a sign we’ve not truly healed. We’re throwing the baby out with the bathwater rather than allowing ourselves to be changed for the better.
In the end, seek healing and full restoration from every wound that holds you back from God’s best. And stay open to the many ways you’re shaped by your wounds – fostering deep appreciation and opening your heart to many things you would’ve missed otherwise.
Photo by HamZa NOUASRIA on Unsplash
