I dropped my camera over the weekend. It was less than a two-foot fall and when I picked it up there was no visible damage. Not a scratch anywhere, but then I turned it on. The picture screen looked like a giant black spider was living inside. Alas the repair bill will be greater than the value of the camera. I think that’s what the auto insurance companies call “totaled.”
Unfortunately people are same. They too can be damaged without showing any outward marks. The damage is internal. Every day children are abused and totaled. A lack of love, a lack of appreciation, a lack of understanding eats away at self-worth and one’s belief that he or she can be anything worthwhile. When we yell at our children and call them stupid they believe us. After all we are adults. We should know. We shouldn’t shower our children with undeserved praise. That dilutes the experience when real praise is deserved. We should correct them and guide them to responsible behavior. It’s the manner in which we do so that can be destructive. While not wanting to be overly Freudian because I do believe everyone is responsible for their decisions in life, we cannot ignore the power of suggestion in shaping lives.
The God who made us knows the levels of consciousness with which we live. He knows the healing that can come from forgiveness and knowing we are wanted. That’s why His word is filled with invitations to come for healing. The greatest miracles of Jesus were not physical but spiritual with the psychological benefits that resulted. That is why he said to the paralyzed man let down through the roof, “Your sins are forgiven.” The abundant life Jesus promises us in John 10:10 isn’t so much about our bank accounts. It’s about inner wellness.
Written by Roger Bothwell on June 4, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org