Scarred but beautiful

Our emotions consume us most of the time when we're feeling the pits. We fret, we retreat, we lose grip on things, we break down. What makes it worse is a frequent attempt to romanticize the feeling of hurt and melancholy. It leads us deeper and deeper into despair and misery.

I've been through a lot. In life and in love. I have lost count on the number of times I have run into despair and gloom. It must have been the same as most people. The difference, however, is I don't nurse them. The moment I notice they're at the door, I acknowledge their presence and decide to move on and go beyond them. Sometimes, I recite this poem and give myself a light pat on the back.

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Scarred People Are Beautiful
Rev. Charles Cooke

Man speaks:
I've been hurt, Lord.
I have trusted and been betrayed at times.
I have loved and received nothing in return.
I have tried hard to care and failed often.
I have shared my secrets and, heard them whispered to others.
I have been warm and received a cold shoulder.
I have been through it, Lord.
I've fallen on my face.
I've banged my shins.
I've been bruised.
Look, Lord, I'm all covered with scars!

The Lord Speaks:
Maybe you haven't understood enough.
Maybe you haven't learned that human life is like that.
All saints are scarred.
Young love isn't the highest form of human love.
The greatest love comes from scarred people.
I know that many people stop loving so they won't be hurt again.
But those people who do start over again, who continue in spite of all, who leave themselves open to the possibility of being hurt again --These people are able to love again in a deeper way, a more understanding way, a richer way.

Man's response:
I think I know what you mean, Lord.
I've met people like that and knowing them gives me courage.
The great people are those who continue to love with their scars.
I like scarred people, Lord.
They are beautiful.