Healing is a Journey
"Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery." ~ Galatians 5:1 (HCSB)
Hip bursitis and physical therapy. A cortisone shot masks the symptoms and allows me to feel pain-free for a few years, but I want to heal. During physical therapy, I noticed some of the other patients who, much like me, want to heal. They exercise and
stretch without complaint or hesitation. From other patients, I often hear, "Oh, not leg lifts again; I hate these!" Or groaning, "You're not going to make me do that stretch again, are you? These are not my favorite."
The cool thing about PT at fifty-two years old is I don't need to have the mind of an athlete. That was another lifetime! My brain still does gymnastics, but my body does not! My therapist has been trying to help my brain get to know my body and its limitations by working within the circle of my ability, and not pushing with an intention of getting back to "competition ready." A handstand —just for fun— after twenty years is a good goal. As I practice my exercises and stretches at home, learning to work within my circle of pain, I feel myself getting stronger with more muscle awareness. My pain begins to disappear, and my circle of ability grows larger. The key is: I have to want to get better and be willing to work for it.
Healing is always a process. Can healing happen on the spot? Absolutely! But my mind still needs to learn to walk in the truth of healing, and that's a process. Without the process, I would miss out on the maturing, strengthening, and growth. When it comes to relationships, healing can't be avoided for the friendship or marriage to remain strong. Actually, walking through the healing process strengthens both parties as they yield to the journey together.
What does the healing journey look like? Well, it'll look different for everyone. But the process is similar.
First, one has to want to heal. So many people love the idea, but not the work. Just like in physical therapy, there are many who arrive ready to put in the time and work to heal. Then there are others who arrive, but they complain about the work needed in order to begin the healing journey. I honestly think some people would prefer to stay in the pain they're in, rather than go through the painful process of repair.
What does the work entail? Often it's tweaking perspectives by addressing lies and aligning with truth. Neil and I use God's Word as our template for what is true. His Word never changes. The surrounding world and people change. My circumstances and life situations change. My body changes. But God's Word never does; it's the one place I can anchor my soul when life resembles shifting sand.
Aligning myself with truth is hard when my perspective has offered comfort in the past. I mean, why would I hang onto a lie if it didn't bring some measure of comfort? However, a lie can hold me hostage to my pain.
Last, walking in the freedom of truth. This changes my thinking, my point of view, my behavior, my habits, and ultimately my life. Walking in freedom sounds great! But in the beginning, this is much like going to PT and faithfully practicing my exercises and stretches. It's where I build strength, endurance, and find freedom.
Whether pain or internal struggle, I'm always up for healing! It's just that the process is so hard, especially if it involves someone else. A few years ago, a good friend and I sustained a serious injury in our relationship. Both of us were significantly hurt. One of us demanded an apology and acknowledgment of her pain so she could move on; the other wanted to heal the friendship and walk through the process of identifying lies and addressing them with truth. That way, frustrations and misunderstandings could be brought to the surface and forgiveness could sooth and sponge away wounds. Forgiveness, truth, and love. These are healers. Sadly, this friendship didn't last. Choosing to not heal only causes space, division, and often more pain. On the other hand,
Neil and I have known each other over half our lives. We've been married twenty-three years (known each other for twenty-seven). We've had plenty of opportunities to walk the journey of healing from life's unexpected blows —autism diagnoses for both boys, a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis —type 3 for Neil, seasons of financial struggle, a cancer diagnosis, and like for most people, that list goes on. I'll be the first to admit, we have plenty of opportunities to apologize and forgive each other, as well!
Yes, bad things happen in this world, and they happen to everyone. There are no exceptions. Some people wonder why bad things happen to good people. But are there truly good people? What's the standard measure of "good"? My guess would be everyone has their own standard, but that doesn't really make for a cohesive world, does it? So, back to my template: God's Word. The standard here is Jesus. Hmmm...clearly, no one measures up to Him. Even the Bible says that: "No one is righteous. Not even one" (Romans 3:10 NLT).
I guess that means we all need healing. From ourselves, from each other, from life. Providentially, that's what Jesus came to do. He did the hardest part. He paid for all of the lies we tell ourselves, tell each other (whether with good or bad intentions), and the lies we live. It's because of Jesus' surrender to the consequences of lies I choose to believe and live, I don't have to face off with those consequences —which is death. Instead, I've come face-to-face with Him. This is where healing begins. I'm humbled and undone as I realize what He's done for me. For all of us. He has my full allegiance and all my affection. It's because He didn't stay dead, I have hope for ultimate freedom from the hostage situation with the father of lies. And friendship maintenance with my friends, marriage maintenance with my husband, and relationship maintenance with the Love of my life, Jesus Christ, is a reality. (Romans 3:23, 24)
I'll do mostly anything for a pain-free body, like going to PT and doing my stretching and exercises. As for ultimate freedom, the hard part's already been done. And I'll do anything, whatever it takes, to walk through healing.
How about you?
Comments