We all have scars on our bodies, the evidence of some kind of accident or wound. These are visible and remain. But we also have scars that no one can see, the evidence of wounds hidden deep within our hearts. Only God sees these wounds, and only He can heal them.

Heart wounds can be caused in many ways - abuse from those we trusted, a betrayal, a broken promise, shattered dreams, loss of a loved one, or anything unexpected, unthinkable or unspeakable. Scars are reminders of the wounds we've endured, and the memories and pain of them can resurface when we least expect it. They remind us we are no longer whole.

We usually view our scars as ugly and try to hide them. We don't see any beauty in them. However, the ugly scars in our hearts can be transformed into something beautiful that God will use for His purposes to help and bless others. He redeems what we've suffered through, and heals every broken place from the inside out to bring beauty from our ashes.

When something that was once whole gets burned, it leaves behind ashes. In the natural it is impossible to once again make something whole from these ashes. However, with God all things are possible. As we give God the ashes of our burnt, wounded hearts, He molds and shapes them into wholeness and beauty once again. But we must be willing to give God the ashes of our lives. If we won't let them go, He can't take and transform them.

We refuse to let go of our ashes when we refuse to forgive those who hurt us. Sometimes it's just easier to hold onto them and ignore them because we don't want to think about what happened. But no matter how much we try to erase the trauma and wounding from our minds, it will always resurface. If we don't let them go, we can't be healed.

Jesus had many scars from the nails in his hands and feet, and from the beatings and piercings He endured upon His body. But He also had scars on His wounded heart from friends who betrayed Him, religious leaders who despised and rejected Him, from being falsely accused, forsaken and abandoned.

However, when Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples, one of the first things He did was to show them His scars. His scars identified Him as the risen Savior and Son of God. Our scars tell our story, and when we give our ashes to Jesus to turn into beauty, they testify of the victory that is available only through the Lord.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, Kingdom Life Church is hosting a women's conference, Beauty for Ashes, at Catskill Mountains Resort in Barryville, NY. If you desire to give your scars to God and allow Him to bring beauty from the ashes of your wounded heart and life, please join us. Doors open at 9 am, and the conference begins at 10 am. You can register at klcny.cc by Oct. 25.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.