[ Previous Page ]     [ Next Page ]        Page:

BEGINNING THE HEALING

Before we begin, I caution you to deal with your pain and the pain of others gently and slowly. Pain hurts and our hearts may be very sore and wounded even though on the outside we men may appear very tough. But just like a surgeon using a scalpel to remove a deep tumor below a callous, emotional surgery calls for a special touch and special tools. This writing is a special tool for emotional wounds just as a scalpel is for the body.

Where do we begin? We start by being honest with ourselves.

" And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32).

(" Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Ps. 51:6 -Danette)

Secrets have real power. They take on a life of their own. And abuse takes on a shaming power in our lives when not faced. That shame gains power with time, like a snowball gaining speed down a cliff, getting bigger and bigger!

We need to be willing to face our pain. God cares about you and feels your pain (1 Peter 5:7); and He wants to heal broken hearts (Psalms 147:3). Maybe that is hard for you to believe. Maybe the concept of a loving, caring father is very contrary to your life experience. It's been said that it's hard to trust that you have a caring Heavenly Father if your earthly parenting was unhealthy. Do you trust or believe anyone can help you with your pain?

How does God care about my pain, specifically? Well, I believe He first handles it with respect and tender loving care. God says some wounds take much time and attention for healing. Sexual and severe male abuse are such wounds.

What does this mean to our journey and pain? First, be sensitive and patient with your healing process. Deep wounds take time to heal and even to confront. Maybe you've experienced a very sensitive physical wound in your life. For this wound to heal, you must treat it gently even though healing may call for tough decisions and painful recovery at times. But tenderness is still very critical.

I am a major coward. My dentist can attest to this. He sees me only once every four years when my wife and kids drag me in with much fear and trembling before the "jaws of death!" But I thank God for my dentist's tender touch every time I run from his office until my next "four-year reunion" appointment.

So it is with our emotional wounds. God is ultimately tender, patient and loving. He is more willing to heal, cleanse our wounds and forgive all our "missed appointments" with Him than we can ever imagine! Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28)

[ Previous Page ]     [ Next Page ]        Page:

This page has been displayed 1 times this month, 32 times since October 13, 2008 .