Speaking of Marks

People leave marks.

Experiences leave marks.

Everything in life,

makes a mark.

Emotional,

spiritual,
physical,

mental,
good,
bad,

so.much.marking.

Marks can be hurtful,

And some marks become scars.

Long after the person is gone,

long after the experience has ceased,

The mark that was made,

it.might.remain.

We can't let marks define us though,

because they can be overcome.

We might not be able to erase them,

because they have left an impression.

But the thing about marks --- they can speak.

And, even though they may never fully leave,

they.give.us.a.choice.

They can inspire us to seek

a life once characterized by confusion,

to a life that's complete with understanding.

A life once seemingly lost,

now one that's known and fully found.

A life full of loneliness,

now set in a place of belonging.

Where abuse

can bring awakening,

and hurts 

can be conquered with hopes.

Because these marks,

these scars,

they can be healed.

Lives full of trauma,

can be made well

and.full.of.peace.

"The best we can do is give them Jesus. 

Not rules, not behaviors, not entertainment, not shame. 

I have no confidence in myself but every confidence in Jesus... 

He is always the true answer, 

the strongest touchstone, the best example... 

Jesus is the only thing that will endure... 

He is the only constant, 

the only Savior that held through the ages. 

Jesus is the best marker that exists, 

so let's raise Him high." 

- Jen Hatmaker (For the Love)