Dim Sum and FaithSýnishorn

How Do We Heal?

We have all told our stories in a thousand ways, whether explicitly or implicitly. We have all believed a narrative about our lives, about who we are, about how we should interact with others, and about who God is—and all of it is deeply informed by our stories.

Many of our stories have left deep wounds that have never healed. I believe healing and connection are two big reasons why we do this work.

There is no right way to dive into our stories, but one way we can begin is by sitting with God and inviting him into this act of remembering. Ask God to remind you of the stories that are important. You might find that one or two stir up in your soul. As they do, take a moment to sit with them.

We must also remember our stories with God. Some of us have some kind of relationship with God already. We may have known him our whole life and feel his closeness daily. Some of us may have a newly budding faith and want to grow in hearing his voice. Or we may have known God, but now he feels far away and disconnected from our life. Wherever we find ourselves, and whatever we think about God, he is here with us. He knows our loneliness and our burdens, but he also knows our dreams, and he wants to walk with us and bring healing to our heart, mind, and body. Sometimes, in order to heal, we have to go back into our stories and let God encounter us in our pain. Even if uncomfortable, the healing we long for may come only in this way.

As You Read the Scriptures:

What is a childhood memory that comes to you?

What feelings and thoughts surface as you sit in this memory?

Where are you holding these feelings in your body?

Prayer:

God, you are here. I receive your presence.

Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. I can trust that you have always been with me, even if I didn't know you yet. I want you to heal my heart. Heal even the places I don't know about. Be with me as I remember those painful memories that I don't know what to do with. Show me where you were in those moments. I need to know you are with me.