This post is from my friend, Father John's blog, it spoke a lot to me on my own journey as a widower, may it speak to you as well.
The morning routine begins with a cup of coffee, let the dog out, a
quick glance over the headlines, let the dog in, and then off to get
ready for another day – shower, dress, etc. As long as I keep the
routine I can leave the house with relative confidence that everything
is in order; however, if I brush my teeth before I comb my hair then
there is a good chance I’ll forget to shave. I think it has something
to do with not enough coffee. But, as I say, if the routine is
followed, then I can walk out into the world and no one will be the
wiser to the wounds and scars on my soul. I am a master of disguise and
so are you.
Emotion is bad. Feelings are personal. Opinions
and judgments are a dime a dozen, but when is the last time you opened
up your soul and shared it with others? Truth is we all have wounds;
some are fresh while others have healed. That great Roman Catholic
Priest
Henri Nouwen wrote, "
Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are
wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or
spiritually. The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds?’ so
we don't have to be embarrassed but ‘How can we put our woundedness in
the service of others?’ When our wounds cease to be a source of shame
and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers."
Our
Lord Jesus did not hide his wounds. He held them out for Thomas and the
entire world to see and it is through those same wounds that he healed
us. He “brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into
righteousness, out of death into life.” (Book of Common Prayer, 367)
Through his actions, Jesus has shown us how we too might take our
wounds and also bring healing to a wounded world.
Therefore,
if you are one of those disguised wounded, don’t be afraid to show your
soul to a discreet and caring person. You are not alone in the
struggles you encounter. However, if the Lord has healed your wounds
then make yourself available to others who might benefit from the
wisdom God has given you and become a wounded healer.
P.S.
If you are wondering who might need God’s healing touch, then may I
suggest the next person you see after reading this article.
I once met Henri Nouwen. He gave a talk at Wesley Theological Seminary on his experience at L'Arc, and he signed a copy of one of his books to both my wife and me blessing our new marriage. I have met several prominent church folks - including Gustavo Gutierrez, who also blessed my marriage - but I shall always remember the real, honest humility and simplicity and earnest good-heartedness that Father Nouwen demonstrated in his entire life.
Posted by: Goeffrey | February 04, 2009 at 03:09 PM