Scars

LadyChocolate · #1 03-22-2008, 08:16 PM

I received this in an email today:

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, 'But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go.'

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

T he Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way, but sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.
Never judge another persons scars, because you don't know how they got them

Barb · #2 03-22-2008, 08:33 PM

This is excellent, Sistergirl...thank God for the scars!!

Sister Alvear · #3 03-22-2008, 08:35 PM

very touching.

Cindy · #4 03-22-2008, 09:05 PM

WOW, how true and thanks for posting this reminder of our Father's love for us.

bishoph · #5 03-22-2008, 11:57 PM

LC, I received this story several years ago, and it is a very powerful example of our heavenly father's love and perseverance for us.

The Apostle Paul said "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." I know that we often hear that the Apostle was speaking of the literal scars that he had received from the beatings and torture that he endured for the name of Christ, however, I think he may also have been speaking of the "marks" of God refusing to let go. There have been many times in my life when I just wanted to give up and throw in the towel, and I'd like to think that I also have some scars where my dad just wouldn't let go! Thank You for the scars that remind me, and thank you most of all, for not letting me go!

Rico · #6 03-23-2008, 12:04 AM

Very good, LC!

LadyChocolate · #7 03-23-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishoph

LC, I received this story several years ago, and it is a very powerful example of our heavenly father's love and perseverance for us.

The Apostle Paul said "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." I know that we often hear that the Apostle was speaking of the literal scars that he had received from the beatings and torture that he endured for the name of Christ, however, I think he may also have been speaking of the "marks" of God refusing to let go. There have been many times in my life when I just wanted to give up and throw in the towel, and I'd like to think that I also have some scars where my dad just wouldn't let go! Thank You for the scars that remind me, and thank you most of all, for not letting me go!

I have been through it for several years..... I couldn't begin to tell you the scars I have, just like many of you. But during those trials, I would not give up, and more importantly, God never gave up. I knew with each trial, good would come of it. I kept on keeping on. My pastor used to say, "if you can stand the pulling, he'll pull you through! I am so thankful God held on like he did. ....and even though I have scars and they remind me of the pain that used to be, I am a better person today. I am stronger, wiser, and more determined to make it!

LadyChocolate · #8 03-23-2008, 09:52 PM

Speaking of scars and what you go through to get them:

My son learned a very difficult lesson in life at a very young age... One that I am still learning.! My boys went through a whole lot of stuff for several years with other children. More than just kids being kids... Without going into any detail, it was just bad.... When we moved, he was very bitter and angry. My husband and I did our best to teach him how to forgive. I can't tell you how made I had become because of what my children went through.. I would tell my husband that was scarred at such a young age and being the mother I am, I would become very upset. You know, people can say what they want about me and I really don't care.... I know who and what I am...But when you mess with my husband or children, this sweet, calm, nonconfrontational lady becomes very not so sweet and not so calm.

Well, just the other night my son and I were downstairs together and out of the blue he said, "Mom, you know how I used to feel when I would think of what we went through before?" He said, "You know how I used to get all angry and mad?" I said "yes".... Then he said, "well, it's not there anymore!

I don't feel mad anymore when I think about it"... in fact, I want to go see them ( those that hurt him) again... I don't have that angry feeling anymore!"

Do you know what that does to a Mom?

My son is learning lessons easier than I am!

... I was mad that my children went through this at a young age, but it is making them! God is molding them at a young age.... "what the devil meant for bad, GOD meant it for my good"