All of us fight secret battles, personal struggles unknown to others. These conflicts may cause us to lose sleep, overwork, binge eat, drown our sorrows with alcohol, or chew our fingernails—however we particularly deal with stress. Recently, I faced one of these gut-wrenching trials, causing a huge bout with anxiety and fear.
While I faced this struggle, these words from John Bunyan’s book, Pilgrim’s Progress, provided solace and strength: “Though with great difficulty I am got hither…my marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought his battles who now will be my rewarder.” Like the main character in Bunyan’s book, we all bear life’s marks in one way or another. Some physical. Some emotional. Some spiritual. The scars we carry remind us of the struggles we have survived.
One of my own physical marks came from a childhood boating accident. While I waited in the water after waterskiing, the boat driver meant to circle around and pick me up. Accidentally, he drove right over me instead. As the boat pushed me under water, I heard the frightening, high-pitched sound of the propeller as it sliced across my midsection—sort of like surgery without anesthesia. Because I was wearing a wetsuit, the prop didn’t cut deep enough to damage any of my organs. But my body now carries a large mark of grace, reminding me of God’s protection that day.
Whether life’s trials leave physical or emotional scars, these situations can provide opportunities for growth. Pain builds resilience. And resilience, if allowed to develop, gives way to emotional and spiritual strength. After a prolonged period of waiting, my own recent private challenge turned a corner when the hurtful situation started to heal. We all know that not every problem works itself out the way we want. However, if we lean into hope, giving ourselves and others a little mercy and grace in the struggle, we can find the courage to persevere, to heal—and even to thrive.
Whether life’s trials leave physical or emotional scars, these situations can provide opportunities for growth. Pain builds resilience. And resilience, if allowed to develop, gives way to emotional and spiritual strength. After a prolonged period of waiting, my own recent private challenge turned a corner when the hurtful situation started to heal. We all know that not every problem works itself out the way we want. However, if we lean into hope, giving ourselves and others a little mercy and grace in the struggle, we can find the courage to persevere, to heal—and even to thrive.
Help Make the World a Better Place
When you donate to Healing in Arts, you help children and adults to experience hope through creative expression. Our hands-on projects engage individuals with the art of community care, advocacy care, and trauma care. Our 2023 workshops will reach at-risk youth and others from Michigan to California to Mexico. So, your money goes a long way! Will you make a year-end gift of $50? You can also give monthly. All gifts of any amount are tax-deductible. Thank you so much!
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Healing in Arts
PO Box 8342
Kentwood, Michigan 49518
Red pants with black lettering hung from the wall. The red against the white walls intrigued me to walk closer. I approached the pants to discover I could actually read them. I realized I was reading someone’s true story. It touched my heart, as if I heard the voice speaking from the pants. I walked away telling myself, “I have to meet the artist behind this project.” It was Pamela Alderman at the beginning of her MFA program. Today, I am a board member working alongside Pamela with Healing in Arts. It has been a pleasure planning behind the scenes and watching projects, plans, and goals come to fruition. I am overjoyed to see what Healing in Arts provides for others locally and internationally. I believe the world without art is just, BLAH. Kameko Madere
Healing in Arts creates art experiences to build hope, care, and connection in under-served communities, including special needs kids, incarcerated teens, sex trafficked youth, First Nations people in Canada, veterans with PTSD, and the elderly.
