Plastic surgery could fix it. Time could fade it. Pants, if long enough, could conceal it.

But I want to keep it. The world finds a scar like this disfiguring, ugly.

Yet I find it beautiful, a reminder of Yahweh’s protection.

This scar, I pray, will last all my earthly days.

***

The scar is what’s left of my accident on Jan. 17. Just before my head-on collision on an icy highway, I was speaking the name of God, whispering the Hebrew letters of the tetragrammaton: YHVH.

Yodh. Hey. Vaw. Hey.

Believed in Jewish tradition to be too sacred to be uttered aloud, the name is often referred to as the “Ineffable.” As I drove down the highway that morning, I was in awe of how Christ changed things. I could speak the name of God, boldly. My Yahweh.

I whispered His name, sang His name, prayed in His name.

That’s when the accident happened — an accident that by all accounts ended miraculously, with only minor injuries. The emergency parking brake slammed through my skin, deep into my muscle and tissue, leaving a gaping wound.

Yahweh spared my life — and He left me with a scar. It’s a tattoo of His first initial: the letter Y.

***

With plastic surgery, it would be easy to hide my scar. With time, it could disappear. I pray it doesn’t.

I took this photograph last week, because I fear that the “Y” is beginning to fade (though the memory of it won’t).

I show you my scar today, as a reminder of God’s protection.

We so quickly bury our scars behind facades, don’t we? Not just the physical scars, but the emotional ones, too.

Even in church — especially in church — we hide our pain. We conceal our past. We cover our hurt.

But scars are signs that healing has begun. They remind us of old wounds, but even more so, of grace and mercy and healing.

Our scars tell a story; they identify us. And when we show them, we stand in good company.

For Jesus still bears His scars — an eternal mark of love.

by | March 3, 2009 | 17 comments

17 Comments

  1. patty

    God bless you, friend. Thanks, as always, for sharing more than your words, but your heart.

    Reply
  2. Darlene

    nothing short of powerful, dear one. A “Y”? A scar?
    Oh, He is amazing!

    Reply
  3. Chris Godfredsen

    Scars – knew exactly where you were heading. This is a beautiful piece, a beautiful scar and a continual reminder for you.

    Everytime I hear/sing Exalted I think of you and your scar. I think of God’s protection of you on that day!

    I also am thinking about our scars and how God is using our wounds in the lives of others and how a scar, when brought into the light of day and the light of Christ, is an incredibly beautiful thing!

    YHWH!!!

    Reply
  4. Chris Godfredsen

    Scars – knew exactly where you were heading. This is a beautiful piece, a beautiful scar and a continual reminder for you.

    Everytime I hear/sing Exalted I think of you and your scar. I think of God’s protection of you on that day!

    I also am thinking about our scars and how God is using our wounds in the lives of others and how a scar, when brought into the light of day and the light of Christ, is an incredibly beautiful thing!

    YHWH!!!

    Reply
  5. Carol

    God blessed you with a scar to remind you of where you have been and how far you have come with His help. It is beautiful….just like you! Love, Carol

    Reply
  6. Monica @ Paper Bridges

    thanks for sharing this wonderful reminder.

    why don’t we share and show the hurts, cuts and scrapes to our fellow believers? fear of judgment, fear no one really cares?

    Reply
  7. Lyla Lindquist

    I continue to be moved by your story. Welcoming the scar is a rare perspective in a world where the first thought is for the revision surgery. Spiritually, emotionally, we do the same. When can we have the surgery to hide the pain? We ask this rather than wondering how God can use the scars to remind us of His grace and mercy.

    Reply
  8. TUC

    Oooh, Ouch! But what a wonderful perspective on this mark you’ve been given.

    Reply
  9. Hope42Day

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…and with Jesus in our lives, everything is beautiful! He is tattooed in your heart and on your skin. Wonderful to be in His arms, isn’t it? Glad you are doing much better!

    Reply
  10. God's Not Finished With Us Yet...

    I think that’s awesome. To ‘frame’ and hold onto the reminders of how God protected you with the scaring that remains. God truly did have His angels as ‘air bags’ surrouding you that freightful day.

    Reply
  11. Billy Coffey

    I’m with you. Keep it.

    Our scars make us all the more beautiful in His eyes.

    Reply
  12. Prairie Chick

    I am new to your blog, but I LOVE you. Could I share your story and your word about the beauty of scars with the women’s group at my church? We are working through a time of trying to come to grips with grace, and trust and reaching a new stage of intimacy with one another, a place where we can truly not only bare our scars, but recognize them as beautiful things that bring glory to His name. Your message here just stunned me and moved me beyond words.

    Reply
  13. lynnrush

    Amen! Keep it!

    Reply
  14. Cherie

    Your scar is lovely. We talked in a bible study I attend about being dealt with by the hand of God today. And you have been…beautifully.

    Reply
  15. sharilyn

    and so, he has not only engraved you on the palm of His hands, He has carved His initials onto the skin of your leg…that which is the very thing upon which you stand…He is your foundation…

    Yahweh
    loves
    Jennifer

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth

    Beautiful… My life has left me with many visible & life lasting scars that cover my arms, legs, stomach, & wrists… I don't carry a "Y" scar, but looking daily at the scars I carry proves God's grace, devotion, unfailing love & the peace He installs into us when we embrace His calling & desires for His children. He has given us a testimony to share. We aren't to stand quiet in embarrassment – especially at church! Church is a place where the lost, lonely & hurting file in by the masses disguised with fake facades believing they are the only one with in those walls battling sin, or shame, guilt, or misery… Thank you Jennifer for not remaining quiet… Your testimony is blessed because of your obedience & love for our Father in Heaven…

    Reply
  17. Lori

    Keep up the God work Jennifer. See Him whereever you are and thanks for sharing with me. Lori

    Reply

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