Victoria Arlen, telling of her pain, paralysis and healing, at one point says: ‘I define a scar as a reminder – sometimes visible, sometimes not – of a struggle or a moment when I was in pain. My journey left several wounds and created many scars, but most of my visible scars have healed. The scars on my stomach where my GJ tube once resided are hidden behind my clothes; the scars on my back from the imflamation caused by the TM are hidden well. So, all of my scars are invisible except for one. My wheelchair.’
Her scars tell her story…
We’re familiar with physical scars… there’s a wound… healing… a remaining mark. Some friends have physical scars – their reminder of the accident, disease, surgery… the removed cancer, hideous burn, cesarian section…
We’re familiar with mental scars… there’s a wound… some healing… a remaining mark. Many friends have mental scars – their reminder of the abusive relationship, bereavement, traumatic event…
Our scars tell our story…
In school assembly I’d tell the story of a mother with badly burnt hands… Her son, Tommy, increasingly aware of her scars, became embarrassed by her disfigurement… He said: ‘I do love you, Mummy, but I don’t love your hands’.
She explained… As a baby, Tommy was lying on a carpet in front of a fire. Somehow the carpet caught fire. In protecting him and putting out the flames, his mother burnt her hands… Tommy thought for a moment and said, ‘I love you, Mummy, and especially your hands.’
Her scars tell her story…
Jesus has been crucified… On the evening of that first Easter Sunday, Jesus comes through locked doors… speaks to his followers and friends… shows them the scars in his hands and side…
Thomas isn’t there and says that unless he sees Jesus – complete with scars – he won’t believe them. A week later Jesus appears to them all again… Thomas is there… He sees the scars and believes…
Jesus’ scars tell His story.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Thanks for thosnedded reminder Malcolm. Reminds me of a quote by our friend Brennan Manning . . .
“God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or honors, but for scars.”
Be blessed brother.
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Thanks Fred. I don’t know that quote. It’s a good one!
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Beautiful sharing Malcolm. Thank you.
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Thanks Alegria. That’s kind of you.
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As an 11 year old I was in a farm accident where my arms and main nerves were severed. No feeling below the elbows and very little limited use of hands and fingers for years. I tell the (longer) story after playing the piano for groups. Many will not believe me until I slide up my sleeves on both arms to see the scars (one on one). It always reminds me of Thomas. He doubted, saw and believed for all of us doubters.
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Thanks for sharing your story, Gary. The more people I get to know the more I realise we all carry scars that form us and make us what we are…
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The particular stories you shared about individuals who had been scarred in some tragic way were sad but uplifting. They were able to carry their crosses. Now I’m going to have to read Arlen’s book. She has amazing resolve! Thanks for sharing, Malcolm.
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Thanks Nancy. In the 2012 paralympics we Brits were supporting Ellie Simmonds, so weren’t aware of Victoria Arlen… I’ve really enjoyed reading her book and learning her story… Yes there is something about scars that is both sad and uplifting. The friends than I respect and have learnt most from have their personal scars…
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Malcolm, I haven’t read Victoria Arlen’s book but your highlight of the book gives me a reason to put it on my “to read” book list.
Your overall theme in this post is very similar to one I wrote in July 2020 titled “Beautiful Scars,” if interested, it can be read here: https://musingsofmanettekay.com/2020/07/21/beautiful-scars/
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Thanks, Manette. And thanks for pointing me to your blog. You’re right – Scars are part of the healing process; they show who we are and where we’ve been.
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