Are You a Potential Healer?

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” –Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer

Those who go through pain, struggle and injury in this life are often left with scars. They can often feel beaten down, and I have had the blessing of listening to several people this past few weeks who felt that way and needed to tell someone. They chose me because they knew I had faced similar hardships to their own and that I would understand. They were not seeking advice, but comradeship among someone who had healed somewhat but still showed signs of the wounds. A wounded healer.

Many times God will take our weaknesses and pain and turn them around to help another. I believe this process helps the “healer” grow more whole as well. Alcoholics Anonymous and similar programs are built on this principle and the church has been described as one wounded soul helping another find healing.

Regardless of where we are in life, we have suffered and have wounds. Some may seem insignificant to the world at large but are very real to us. We can offer them to the Lord and he will make them gifts that can be used for his work. If only we can. In my case, I prayed quite a bit for the strength to offer those gifts.

I think of Peter’s wounds. He had betrayed his Master by denying that he even knew Him. Think of how deeply wounded he must have been. But Jesus chose this man who knew the pain of denial to feed His flock. (John 21:15-17). He was a wounded healer. I meditate on this and ask, “How may I be a healer in His hands?”

Jim

http://cityroadchapelumc.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/are-you-a-potential-healer/