I bruised easily when I was a little girl.
I’m not sure that I learned any significant lessons from those bruises — except maybe to walk a little slower when I climbed the stairs from my bedroom in the basement.
Even now, I’ll knock into the corner of the coffee table and think, “That’s going to leave a bruise.” Lesson learned: Give the coffee table a wider berth.
Then there are the invisible bruises that caused my heart to beat off-rhythm … the words-will-never-hurt-me bruises that tripped up my significance …
Lesson learned: Invisible bruises never fade away … until they are submitted to the gentle touch of the God who Heals (Jehovah-Rapha).
It took me years to trust my heart-bruises to God’s care. To believe His thoughts toward me were lovingkindness and peace. (Isaiah 54:10 NIV) Once I believed in His lavish grace, not a miserly drip … drip … drip of grace that could never satiate the longing of my soul, then my bruises faded in light of who He was — and how much He believed in me.
In Your Words: What lessons have the bruises in your life taught you?
Comments 12
To be wary of walls and door frames. And people who somehow find joy in putting others down. And to pray for them because their lives must be miserable.
Author
Wise words indeed, Pat.
NOT ONCE in my almost 50 years have I felt that God looked at me, laughed out loud and yelled “You are nothing, I’m outta here.”
Not even in the deepest, darkest well of depression did I think I was abandoned. I was lonely and very scared, but I knew He was there, waiting with me. He was not waiting FOR me to get it together, He was waiting WITH me, holding my hand, whispering into my soul until I could raise a hand to grab the rope. The one He dropped just before He settled in next to me.
If I meet someone who carries the same bruises as me, I whisper to them that I understand. If I meet someone who readily gives out bruises?
I whisper, but kind of like Smeagol on Red Bull.
Author
Jennifer:
I just love your outlook on life, friend.
And why am I not surprised that you do voices, Precious?
😉
Great food for thought, my Friend. I loved how you said this: “Invisible bruises never fade away … until they are submitted to the gentle touch of the God who Heals.” That’s the key. Otherwise, each time someone touches that tender spot, the “owie” returns. Thanks for this wonderful reminder to start the week.
Author
I’ve learned that even after God heals a wound, sometimes He allows the area to remain tender–not to cause us pain, but so that we can remember … and comfort others in the way we’ve been comforted.
Beautiful post, Beth. Yep, I carry heart-bruises with me. And give them to God. When I start to think on the again, I have to stop that line of thought and give them to God. Again. Each time, He’s faithful to put some of His healing salve–the one that reminds me I am cherished by Him–over that bruise to remove the ache and the black-and-blue. He’s ever faithful to do that for me.
He’s taught me He is always here for me. I am treasured in His eyes, and nothing anyone does (including myself) will change that.
As for the physical bruises–those ones I get from going too fast–I’m learning to slow down. A little. Sometimes. Sometimes, I am a slow learner. 😉
Author
Yes, Jeanne: God is the healer of heart-bruises …
and sometimes we have to slow down to avoid both kinds of bruises.
Beautifully said, Beth 🙂
Author
Thanks for visiting the blog today, Gloria.
I love the way you write truth! Thank you for reminding me that heart bruises CAN heal. I’m so glad I am going to have a little girl who I can pass your wisdom onto. She will learn so much from her GiGi! 🙂
love you!!!
Beth, I love this part, “…and how much He believed in me.” How amazing is that thought!