Beauty in the Story

This is one of my favorite pendants. Why? Because it embodies my scars in its texture. Each little spot is part of my tapestry, a testament to God’s story that He has adorned me with. I created this piece at a workshop during the year of my 20th burn anniversary. Though I initially envisioned using a different scar for the jewelry, mobility limitations from a broken arm led me to work with my arm scar instead.

At first, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure how the piece would turn out or if it would even have the texture I desired. But when I received it back, I fell in love. As I pressed the mold against my arm, I prayed. I offered thanks for the journey, for the friendships I’d formed, and for the pain that had brought beauty into my life. I asked for forgiveness for the times I hadn’t used my story for His glory and for every instance where I had hurt myself to regain control. I sought God’s help in loving the scars I disliked or felt ashamed of, asking Him to reveal them in new ways that could bring healing. I simply asked Him to use this experience as He desired. When I got the piece back, I knew God had heard me.

Let me share three powerful ways I recognized His answer to that prayer:

1. The Right Side of the Cross: Notice the deep, straight lines by the tip of the arm? I wasn’t burned on that side, but it became a target for self-harm scars. I would cut—deep enough to hurt, but not deep enough to leave noticeable scars. I wore long sleeves to hide my pain, creating scars to control what I felt powerless over. God answered my prayer for forgiveness through this beautiful representation of that hurt.

2. The Left Side: The left side is shorter than the right, reflecting the natural asymmetry of my body due to scarring. While it may not be immediately noticeable, my doctors and chiropractors are aware. When I reach for something, my leg instinctively lifts to compensate. God answered my prayer by using every piece of my story, even the small details, for His glory.

3. The Center: Look toward the center of the pendant. I wasn’t burned there, but after a surgery in 2020, scarring developed due to an unexpected complication. This left my once “normal” side with more issues. As I held this piece, I felt God highlight it as if to say He was healing the brokenness I felt from that situation. While I still experience frustration with that area, I no longer hate it. God has brought healing, showing me that it’s possible to hold both frustration and gratitude.

   
   

This cross carries thousands of stories, from the dotted scars reflecting the surgeries I endured to the smoothness symbolizing the garments I fought to wear. Each scar tells a memory—countless surgeries and setbacks. That entire year, I searched for a way to cap off my 20 years as a survivor, and this pendant became the perfect culmination.

Since creating this art, I’ve started incorporating my scars into my prayers and the artwork I love. I recall a time a few months ago when I was really struggling with my burns, feeling overwhelmed by open wounds. In a moment of vulnerability, I sat down to pray. I was led to grab some model magic from my crafting supplies and press it into my scars. Removing it revealed the ridges and beauty, reminding me of my testimony. I even wrote poetry to go along with the piece of clay. I was struck by the beauty woven into my story—joy, love, and grace residing in each scar.

God reveals His story in our lives, often through our scars. Scars can be mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, relational. They are all valid! Reflecting on my life, I’m grateful for my scars; they make me unique and beautiful. They form a hand-woven tapestry I get the honor of carrying for all eternity. While they can be annoying—trust me, I go through ten bottles of lotion a month to keep my skin from drying out, and I struggle with temperature regulation—they still bring immense joy and beauty.

God does not promise us an easy life without scars; in fact, He assures us of the opposite. The Psalms frequently remind us that troubles will arise. John says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). So don’t be discouraged by your trials, scars, or hardships. These challenges are guaranteed, but so are redemption, healing, and the glory of God. There will come a time when the pain fades.

Let me ask you: what area of your life needs to see beauty amidst the hurt, pain, and destruction? How can you incorporate beauty-making into your life to view a different side of your story?