Scars And What They Mean to Me

I wanted to share one of my favorite stories with you,

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 the 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 his effort to hang on to 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 then, 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.”

We all have scars. My favorite scars are the ones that came from my heavenly father not letting go of me in my deepest pain filled moments. The way He fights for me, even to the point of His own death, reminds me that I’m special in His eyes.

I don’t always share those stories because I’m not sure how they will be received. I’ve decided that I can no longer let that stop me from sharing His amazing love and grace.

Remember, no matter where you are, God is there. He is waiting for you to connect with Him. He loves you no matter what. All you need do is say His name and He will come into your life and change it.

How do I know? He has done that for me.

Have a blessed day my friend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeanie Cisco-Meth was born Avis Marjean Cisco in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was then raised on a dairy farm in Morton, Washington, where she spent her time riding horses, feeding calves, milking cows, and learning the importance of responsibility and hard work. After graduating from the University of Utah, Cisco-Meth went on to teach at-risk high school students for sixteen years. She also spent a year teaching at a private school. She regularly gives seminars and training on the subject of bullying and wrote the book Bully Proofing You to help parents, teachers, and students deal with this difficult problem.

You may also contact Jeanie at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule her for speaking or leadership engagements.