Eastertime - Our wounds

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.'
~ Jeremiah 30:17

This morning I was sharing with several coworkers that we all seem to "work through" all kinds of wounds as we care for our patients.  Additionally, noting that none of us escape being wounded.  All of us are wounded people.  

For each of us, we shared how we utilize our wounds in the service of others.  When our wounds cease to be a source of weakness, and become a source by which we find strength, we then have found a way to provide care through our woundedness.

After Jesus was resurrected, Thomas wants to see Jesus' wounds.  While it helped in his belief, the wounds of Jesus serve as a reminder to us that even in our woundedness, we can still be used as part of God's greater plan.  As a follower of Jesus, we can allow the experiences that have wounded us to bring healing to others.

Years ago I wrote about a wound that I had experienced.  

The Wounded Person

Once there was a wound
that was unique, because it was mine.
I wore it on the inside
and I had lived with it for a long time.

I did not realize, but 
I wanted to be free from this wound
but it's ache I could not stop.
If I were truthful, I'd say
that I had and appreciation for this wound.
The more I noticed this wound,
the more I became vulnerable to God.

Deep within me
something greater was being brought out.
The wound was apparent,
gave way to emerging faith,
daring me to reach deeper, and to
touch my wound, and to apply
healing measures,
slowly working it towards the light,
where others might see
and know my woundedness.

One day, without realizing,
I reached inside and touched that wound.
A grace that I couldn't see
flowed through me,
and began to fill the place where
my wound once lived.

"I'm afraid," I cried,
claiming wholeness.
The wound had left me,
and my faith had turned to belief,
taking it's place.
I have not lost my appreciation
for the wound
that made it possible
for me to know the
mercy that I now hold.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2020