Six weeks post surgery! I can drive... lift my arm... have more mobility... and can hug with two arms!

 

Incredibly thankful I finally had courage and time to face getting the help I needed for my shoulder. I kicked it down the road for years.

 

Makes me think of how we often put off dealing with the hard things in life - mentally, emotionally, healing, dealing with past trauma, walking through grief...

 

Yet when we choose to face whatever it is...

Deal with it...

And show up to do that hard work for healing and to get stronger...

 

We break the cycle of pain and begin on the road to healing!

 

Sure we may have a lasting scar - but the beauty in that scar isn't just showing pain. It reflects where we've come from and shows our choice to work towards healing.

 

For me - I needed a new shoulder.

 

A surgeon, his team, occupational / physical therapists, and me showing up every day doing hard things to get stronger have all made me better. Stronger. Healthier. Given me a new start.

 

Even with some limitations, I'm doing things with that shoulder I haven't done in several years!

 

I'm also thankful for God giving me a chance for healing in places in my heart and life that only He, as the "Great Physician" could heal. I had to choose to turn to Him for help and healing.

 

Like from my grief after my Mom died - and doing the hard work in a GriefShare grief program at my church. Sure there's a grief scar still there - but only God could heal my heart, and have me grow stronger.

 

No matter what we walk through - God offers us healing. Even from all our choices that stink and hurt us and others. He offers us becoming stronger - because HE gives strength when we have none, and when we can't move forward one more step.

 

And what beautiful, hopeful words we find in the best-selling book of all-time, the Bible -

 

Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise."

 

Proverbs 4:20-22 "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to My words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body."

 

Whatever you're facing today, my friend - relationally, financially, school, job, family, grief, loss, broken dreams, that unwanted medical diagnosis, no hope - I encourage you to take a step, and give God a chance - the One who made you and loves you like no other. He offers hope. Healing. A new start.

 

Just like choosing to replace my painful shoulder.

 

It takes courage. It's hard. The scar will fade. And healing can be ahead.

 

Check out more from Ron Hutchcraft @Hutchcraft.com