Repeated Behavior

Is a pattern 

It’s said that “hurting people hurt people.” I think that healed people heal people. The problem lies in those who either don’t want to be healed or don’t realize they need to be healed. Trauma, grief, abuse, shame…it all leaves a mark. I haven’t met one person who was able to heal all by themselves. Whether it was a book or program or therapy or support from others, they needed an outside source to walk them through healing.

It takes time. Time to process. Time to grieve. Time to own your part (if any). Time to accept. Time to forgive. Time to blossom again. Just because natural time passes doesn’t mean the time for healing is complete. Some live in denial for years, never letting grief have it’s turn. Some stay angry and bitter long after they should have. Some believe they arrive at acceptance and forgiveness only to lock themselves away to avoid future possible harm. None of these is healed. A good test of whether or not you are seeing positive growth in your process is to take stock of your relationships. A healthy marriage, happy kids, strong bonds with friends and extended family, a good balance with coworkers…all measures of where you are in the timeline of healing. Avoidance, secrets, shallow bonds, and lost relationships are some of the indications that things are not as good as you’d like others to believe. 

True healing comes from owning your part - which might only be admitting you have avoided getting help. It requires looking within, examining the wound, and perhaps causing some pain in the journey toward complete healing.

The same is true of our unhealed emotional hurts and wounds. Infection or disease left too long, becomes a poison in our bodies. Unresolved emotional circumstances also poison us. It is better to have the pain of recovery after surgery than to live with the pain of disease or injury. Just because something hurts doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. It may be necessary to save your life. 

 I give all glory to The Great Physician for His hand in my personal healings. He has comforted me in my pain while also showing me where I needed to do the hard work. He brought people into my life to walk beside me, speaking words of truth and encouragement. He even removed those who continued to injure rather than aid. He was working long before I even knew He was present. And He will do the same for you if you are ready to do the hard work of recovery and healing.