The Scars We Hide

One of the most fundamental desires shared by all humanity is belonging and connection. Soon after creating Adam, God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). Therefore, we know that the Creator intended all humans to enjoy connection and communion with Him and each other from the beginning. 

Unfortunately, sin and its consequences create a divide that hinders connection. We mistrust the world around us and hold ourselves apart from everyone else. We hide our pain and scars from those around us in fear that if we admit how broken we are, it will be too much for others to handle. We believe that others will run away and abandon us if we let the mask drop. But "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love"(2 Timothy 1:7), the kind of "perfect love" that "casts out fear." (1 John 4:18) However, simply understanding this concept on an intellectual level is not enough. We must experience it.

A friend of mine used to say, "Don't have faith in humanity. Have faith in the God who can transform humanity." So, at her urging, I wrote this poem to encourage myself to begin embracing vulnerability. As I acted in faith, choosing to incrementally open up and be honest with others, I began to experience healing and connection in my life. 

Today, I can't imagine living life any other way. I've experienced healing, and I hope these words may inspire you to begin experiencing this healing too.