Open Wound and Warrior

This week's blog is talking about two photos and the connection between them. 

​One photo l looks like a victim and the other a fearless conqueror.   Both are clothed in white and carry weapons-- but in far different ways. 

Open Wound
This picture shows a woman who has attempted to bandage a deep wound while the dagger is still embedded in her back, and this is a depiction of many people's souls. Often situations in life may wound us, and damaging words and actions stick like a weapon in our hearts.

Sometimes we attempt to fix pain by throwing a “quick fix” at our emotions, but there's only one thing that solves the root of the hurt: forgiveness. When we forgive, it doesn't mean the hurt goes away, nor does it cheapen our suffering. Instead, it releases the pain and hands it to God, just like pulling a dagger out of the flesh enables the wound to begin to heal. You can ban-aid all you want to, but as long as you're holding onto the weapons thrown at you, the pain continues. “Soul daggers” include betrayal, misunderstanding, accusation, and abandonment- as well as words that simply hurt.

Believe me, I don't enjoy the forgiveness process! But the truth is, I've chosen to follow Christ and this means two things: first, I've been forgiven for my sin which nailed Christ to the cross. No pain I can experience is greater than what my own sin put Christ through. How can I refuse to forgive when I've been forgiven of so much?

Secondly, Christ calls His followers to be an example of His love, and this requires forgiveness. The good news is that He lives within us and can empower us to forgive even when it's really hard. We can release the daggers and receive His healing. Hallelujah!

Warrior
This photo depicts the Bride of Christ walking in strength and freedom-- no longer defensive, she's on the offensive and ready to wage war!   Watch the video to discover the deeper meaning of why I posted these two photos together!  (See previous blog on the "Warrior" photo and more details.)
                                                                                                          
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds," 2 Corinthians 10:4