people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not "How can we hide our wounds?" so we don't have to be embarrassed, but "How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?" When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers. Jesus is God's wounded healer: through his wounds we are healed. Jesus' suffering and death brought joy and life. His humiliation brought glory; his rejection brought a community of love. As followers of Jesus we can also allow our wounds to bring healing to others." (Henri Nouwen) First, we need to allow Jesus to heal us of our wounds. He does this through
forgiveness. He died on the cross to bring healing into those
areas of darkness within us, either as a result of our personal
sins or the sins of others against us. His healing forgiveness
frees us from the bondage of the past. Then, freed ourselves,
we can be an agent of forgiveness and healing for others. Our witness is: "See what Jesus did for me. He wants to do the same thing for you. I once was in darkness. Now, by his grace and mercy, I am in the light of freedom."