On November 22, 1988, I stood on the roof of the UCSD Medical Center pleading to the Lord on behalf of my newborn nephew who had been delivered several hours earlier. He had already left the hospital and had been transported to a brand new operating room equipped to handle his immediate diaphragmatic hernia surgery. His little perfect body would have a full-length scar down his chest extending below his abdomen. The scar didn’t matter, his life did. The exchange of a scar to save his precious life was necessary.
Oftentimes the scars not only serve as proof, but also as a memorial of the battle, the pain, and the suffering. Here we have to wrestle with the plan when we cannot understand why we must go through things. Emotional scars are not necessarily seen physically but serve as a reminder of the tension and trauma as we wonder, “Where can there be beauty in this?”
Many women who have been blessed to bear children are left with scars as a result of the childbirth. These “battle scars” serve as a great reminder of the suffering of that moment, as the child is the beautiful joy that remains.
After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, he appeared to the disciples. He said to Thomas, who wouldn’t believe until he had seen and touched the scars, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). The scars served as proof of his horrific crucifixion. The scars provide each of us with the evidence that Jesus lovingly took the brutal pain in the treacherous death as a sacrificial acceptance in humility as part of the Father’s plan. The scars are a symbol of the Lord’s complete love and devotion for each of us. The price he paid for the penalty of our sins.
Years after my nephew’s surgery, he would proudly lift his shirt and say, “This is my zipper.” The scar became a “special” part of his life story.
The emotional scars might leave us with lies that need to be rejected and replaced with truth. He helps us with this. They also serve as a reminder of our dependence on him. In turn, the scars become a place of strength as we can offer compassion to others who are struggling in similar areas. Could it be considered a form of redemption?
Our Savior, brutally scarred, took the wrath that should have been ours. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By his wounds, we are healed.” This unimaginable healing is ours to believe in and receive. Now and forever. Redeemed by His scars.
By Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member