From Scars to Strength
The other day I looked down at my arm and noticed my mark from when I got burned. Y’all remember, I wrote a blog about spilling my hot tea on my arm. Man, did it hurt. I used different remedies to try and alleviate the pain and start the healing process. Over time it got better and now all that is left of it is a mark, which I started putting oil on it but haven’t been consistent. The mark is like a reminder of what happened and that I’m healed.
Recently, I learned one of my close friend’s father passing. As she shared about the steps that come with that process, I began to recall when my father passed away. Thinking of how I learned the news, who shared the news, how I felt in that moment, even the days after, making the funeral arrangements. I could remember all of it as if it were yesterday, even some of the feelings that went with the experiences. It’s amazing how the mind works and how certain things, experiences, or scars can bring back feelings and emotions.
Healing is a multifaceted journey that we all embark upon at some point in our lives. While scars serve as visible reminders of physical wounds, the emotional wounds caused by the loss of a love one can be equally profound.
The parallels between the healing process of a physical scar and the emotional healing process after losing someone dear is quite interesting, so I thought I’d explore.
1. Initial Impact:
Just as a fresh wound leaves behind a painful scar, the loss of a love one creates a deep emotional wound. Initially, both experiences may feel overwhelming, leaving us in a state of shock and disbelief. The pain is raw, and healing seems unimaginable.
2. Time as a Catalyst:
Time is an essential factor in the healing process, whether physical or emotional. In the case of a scar, the passage of time allows the body to repair damaged tissues gradually. Similarly, when coping with the loss of a love one, time allows us to adjust to the new reality, slowly mending our broken hearts.
3. Nurturing the Wound:
To aid the healing of a scar, it requires proper care and attention. We clean the wound, apply ointments, and protect it from further harm. Similarly, when we experience loss, it is crucial to nurture ourselves. We seek support from love ones, engage in self-care activities, and explore healthy coping mechanisms such as therapy or counseling.
4. The Imperfect Healing:
While both physical scars and emotional wounds heal, they may leave lasting marks. A scar may fade over time, but it rarely disappears completely. Similarly, the loss of a love one may leave an indelible imprint on our hearts. The healing process does not necessarily mean erasing the pain, but rather finding ways to live with it and grow stronger despite it.
5. Resilience and Growth:
As scars become a part of our physical identity, they can also symbolize resilience and strength. Similarly, the healing process after losing a loved one allows us to discover our inner resilience and find meaning in the midst of pain. We learn to cherish memories, celebrate the lives of those we lost, and grow in empathy and compassion.
It’s good to have reminders like scars to remind us that just like we were healed before it will happen again. God sends all kinds of reminders to us, we have to pay attention. Healing is a process. God is indeed the ultimate healer. Trust him and his process, healing is on the way.
The healing process, whether from physical scars or the loss of a loved one, is a profound and personal journey. Both experiences require time, nurturing, and acceptance. Just as a scar becomes a testament to our body's ability to heal, the healing process after losing a loved one can cultivate resilience, growth, and a deeper appreciation for life. While the journey may be challenging, it is through these trials that we discover the strength within us to heal and thrive once again. We learn to lean on our helper, God and begin to grow in our relationship with him.