We find power in revealing our brokenness.
“What is to give light must endure burning.” -Viktor Frankl
Each summer I have the honor of speaking at a camp for children who have one thing in common. No, it isn’t a political party or a shared ethnicity. It’s not a singular sex nor a similar economic background.
What galvanizes the children at Midwest Children’s Burn Camp is the shared experience of being burned.
One of the most difficult aspects of enduring a fire is the lifelong mark embossed on a survivor’s skin. These scars serve as a visible reminder not only of the agonizing struggle endured, but of how different we remain from others because of it. The scars can make us feel less than, set apart, totally isolated. Which is why an activity I witnessed at camp several years ago not only helped elevate the lives of participating campers but carries a lesson that may elevate your life today. Let me explain.
On the day I visited camp, watercolor paints were provided to the kids. They were then encouraged to paint over their scars.
Brushstroke by brushstroke, they painted over the parts of their body that they often tried to cover with makeup or long sleeves or pants. They were encouraged to take their time and paint something beautiful where previously they’d seen only brokenness. When they’d finished, they were encouraged to look at the vibrant colors and rejoice in the new beauty of what they saw.
And then the most powerful aspect of the activity occurred.
As beautiful as whatever they painted on their bodies might have been, the campers were then encouraged to recognize the true beauty hiding just below their art. Clean rags were soaked in warm water and distributed. And the kids gradually, messily, wipe by wipe, removed the paint, revealing the unmitigated splendor of what was already there… and all it represents.
We then talked about real beauty, real courage and real vulnerability. About overcoming, enduring, and authentically living forward. About the gift of life.
This was a powerful exercise for these brave kids at camp. And I believe it’s a reminder we would all benefit from embracing.
The mistakes, missteps, bumps, bruises, brokenness, ugliness, and scars from our past are simply one part of our story. Rather than wishing them away or covering them up, what would happen if we instead began seeing the beauty, compassion, faithfulness, and courage they reveal?
To give light, we must endure the burning.
My friends, it’s okay to get out the paint, cover it all up and strive to make things beautiful.
But recognize that real freedom and true beauty is found in grabbing the rags, cleaning off the paint and learning to embrace the miraculous splendor of what’s already there.
This is your day. Live Inspired.
8 replies on “The Beauty in our Scars”
John,
As we know each other’s stories and shared past, I continue to me amazed, and thankful for every day. I have to add though- your realization of what is important in people and in life is the “true inspiration”; and it never hurts to hear it. Thank you for your words.
This is so beautiful, John.
Thank you.
Always love reading your inspirational stories! Keep inspiring us to be better at loving compassion!!!
Your podcast and Monday Inspires series is always so uplifting and life-affirming. Thank you for the beautiful content and phenomenal guests you curate. You are such a gift of light to this world!
I look forward to your stories every Monday, John. Each week is better than the last; I don’t know how you do it!
Today was very powerful. I know we all have scars, some are very visible and others maybe not at all because their scar or wound is deep inside. I hope your message helps us all to be more mindful of the fact that we are all on this journey called life and we can all treat one another more compassionately and empathetically. Be kind.
Those whose scars are so visible, however, perhaps we can greet them with a smile rather than staring or walking away.
Thank you again for all you do💖
I had a large scar on my cheek from skin cancer that I covered with makeup for years. My cheek was also sunken in from radiation. Through some reconstruction from a doctor who put a full thickness skin graft in my cheek, the result was much improved, however I still carry a scar. I’m not like a burn survivor – you all are brave. However, scars are a reminder to me that we walked through something and came out the other side changed. Yes the outside may look different, but the beauty that shines from within is a result of perhaps hard lessons learned. We are more than our scars as you and so many people you’ve talked to, interviewed, and encouraged have proven. God made us as amazingly resilient people. I hope all of us with or without scars lean into that and find the courage to let our light shine to set the world on fire for good!
What a beautiful and true reflection. thanks for sharing.
Inspiring as always