I’ve known thousands of ways to heal.
Through painted fingernails and facial scrubs, smiles in the mirror, long hugs and hot tears, karaoke and dance, scary risks and laughing hard and loud.
Through letting the true me come out, in receiving her right where she is, in moments so utterly unlovable.
I’ve known healing in bird song and sun rise and tumbling waves and trickling streams, in pictures of God and verses breathing life into dry bones.
I’ve known healing through sisterhood and floating the Deschutes, through worship, through stories, through bubblebaths and comfort food, through dog tongue kisses and back rubs by my children.
I’ve known healing in giving what I’ve got (and sometimes more), in rejecting old stuff I don’t need to carry anymore — lies and curses and insecurity and scarcity and doubt. I’ve known healing in the arms and eyes of those who remind me, stop carrying that garbage.
I’ve known healing through walking with others as they heal. Brave and tremulous, bit by terrifying bit. Reaching for life. Putting down the weapons of death and saying, Oh God, come.
It’s been a long time, but man, that felt good. Wild and loose and unpredictable, a timed five minute free-write on the word prompt: HEAL.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
“I’ve known healing through walking with others as they heal.” I believe this is how we go about healing our world, that being truly present with someone is a very holy thing. Thanks for the reminder. Visiting from FMF#69
Peace.
Patricia
Patricia, thanks so much for your “me too.” Yes, I truly believe that. Peace to you, and do keep writing.
Loved this, Ashley! Im over in the 59 spot this week.
Thanks, Tara! So appreciate your visit!
This is beautifully written and it’s so true that we can experience healing in many different ways. Visiting from FMF #25.
I absolutely love the name of your blog. I feel like God’s means of healing are as unique as the individual him/herself. I always think about how Jesus never healed two people in the NT the same way. Sometimes “Get up and walk.” Other times, spit in the mud applied to the eyes. Other times, “Go. Your faith has made you well.” What a creative God we have and how able to move in a myriad ways to heal. I’ve seen it myself. So grateful.
The flow of your thoughts and feelings, are as gentle, as
a murmuring, gently splashing stream. They offer
soothing comfort, and acknowledge fears and
insecurities, that are all a part of us.
Thank you, thank you.
William Nicholson said, “We read to know we are not alone.” That is a primary reason I write, too. Thank you for helping remind me of that today. I love you.
Love this AND your exclamation of joy in the end!
Thank you so much, Summer! I am so excited to go read what you sent last night. Just home from soccer games and plan to do that this evening. You are a gift.
Beautiful. So glad we don’t have to carry the garbage around.
Me too, Amy. Me too.