Christianity Oasis Forum

[flutemusic67]

'Love is when God became man.'

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal and, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in an effort to hang onto the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs, and with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, 'But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go.'

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let you go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

[rmarie]

Thanks Flute for posting this story. I totally agree. People who have been abused do have scars. Sometimes they are not visable. Sometimes they are. I know that I have had both, but the worst ones I think are the ones that are on the inside, because they are not seen, and we pick at them or they get deeper when an abusive situation happens. Thanks again Flute

[flutemusic67]

Hi, rmarie. The emotional scars are definitely the worst. Physical scars and bruises go away. Emotional scars stay with you and eat at you until you are proactive and do something to overcome them.

God doesn't want us to live with that baggage. He wants us to be emotionally healthy and whole. That way, we are free to who He wants us to be.

God bless and protect you, sis.

[flutemusic67]

Hi, Alissalynne! Thank you for your inspiring words! Halleluia, praise the Lord, and amen twice!

[---]

Hey, I liked the story. I too have been through some mental and emotional abuse. My abuser keeps trying to contact me but I won't let him in! Halelujah for that! God kept me safe even when I was suffering with PTSD. He never let me go. And I still can trust people today...so it's all good. I can't wait for this meeting tonight at 8 o clock. Thanks!
God Bless!

[Mercy]

Emotional scars.... i know i have to face them...I don't want it..i'm so afraid

[Dora]

Aww Waterlily
Work on them slowly sis.
Usually God is more patient with us than we are with ourselves usually.
We're here for you every step of the way.

[---]

Waterlily, there is a song called "Courage Is" by some new band I can't remember there name. But it talks about how courage is the ability to take action even when you're afraid. I know you're scared of what you have to face, but remember that you're not alone. The Lord Jesus will never leave you, and He will guide you through everything you have to face. So just keep that in mind. It took me years to get over my scars, but I have, and I've never looked back since. You'll get there, just take your time, day by day. That's all you can do.

Much love,
ByrdSar

[flutemusic67]

Waterlily, I am so glad you posted. Thank you very much.

I think of the emotional healing in a certain way. It's like peeling back layers of pages. You take one page at a time until you get to the end. It took a long time for the emotional scars to be made and it will take time to make them go away.

A lot of people wish their lives could just go back to the way it was, before it happened. Wish it worked that way. How can we make our scars turn into something positive? By helping others who are now where you once were. There are so many people who are lost and hurting. They need our wisdom and experience to help them find their way to the Light of Jesus.

Jesus has scars. He was verbally, physically, and emotionally abused. When His time came and He was about to give up His spirit, He asked our Father to forgive us as we know not what we do. How does one do such an act? Out of pure love.

I wonder if we were to ask Jesus about His scars, how He would tell us He feels about them? No doubt, He would show the scars and say "See, this is how much I love you".

Waterlily, sis. I pray the Lord gives you the strength to peel back that first layer. Claim healing in His name. Victory is yours in Christ.

Love you, my sister in Christ.

[Mercy]

So tired

In need am i
of rest
and peace of mind

A place to hide
and feel safe
from time to time

I heard the Shepherds voice
come to me all who are weary
and i will give you rest

Meanwhile my crazy world
keeps turning around
in fragments

If rest can appear
in fragments
maybe i can catch a hold of it

or some

[Dora]

Beautifully spoken Flute.
I couldn't add anything to what you said.

Waterlily I love you dearly. It's a painful time. We are here for you, praying for you, listening to you, feeling, and understanding your pain.
Rest in knowing we love you and hold you so close to our hearts. Though as much as we do, Jesus loves you so much more. His love is unfathomable.

[goldieluvs]

Wow flutey awesome and amen and amen and amen. The story u shared brought tears to my eyes as i read it. And waterlily, God is SO awesome, He will heal as u r able to turn things over to Him sis. And i cant add anything to what flutey replied to u allready.... awwwwww


Goldie