The Journey of Healing

Healing is defined as the journey toward restored health and wholeness. While the sentiment sounds comforting, the reality is that healing isn't always straightforward. If you have a different perspective, I'd appreciate hearing it. The word "heal" triggers various thoughts for me, as it signifies a process. Similar to recovering from a bruise, a cut, or a significant wound, healing takes time. It involves the coordinated efforts of white blood cells, sometimes requiring medication, and often necessitating dietary changes for optimal nutrition. 

However, what about the journey of healing that pertains to achieving inner wholeness? This is the type of healing where one addresses emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of oneself. It's the kind of journey where you delve inward to identify what remains unhealed. Because the reality is, there's something within each of us that still requires healing. Let me emphasize this point: it can be almost anything that you haven't healed from, whether it's the scars of being bullied in school, childhood traumas inflicted by parents, the pain of church-related hurt, the anguish of friendship breakups, and so forth.

Healing isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing, consistent journey without a clear endpoint. It's a process that demands intentionality and effort. It involves tending to old wounds when they're triggered or revisiting past scars. Often, we claim to be healed, but the reality is quite different. We might change the bandage on a wound, whether it's mental, spiritual, or emotional, but we don't necessarily address the underlying issue with a thorough cleaning and stitching of the wound. 

The path of healing may not always be picturesque, yet it holds an unparalleled beauty. It may seem contradictory, but let me clarify. The journey is filled with challenges—you might feel anger one day, emotional the next, or, like me, have frequent moments of breaking down and letting it all out. But amidst the struggle lies the beauty of overcoming, radiating a glow and glory that emanates from within. For me, the journey isn't something I particularly enjoy, as it has compelled me to revisit the past to understand why certain things bother me now or why I possess certain attitudes. I have no shame in admitting this. But God is good! 

In conclusion, the journey of healing is multifaceted and deeply personal, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms. It's a process that requires patience, introspection, and a willingness to confront past wounds. Despite its challenges, embarking on this journey offers the opportunity for profound growth and inner transformation. While the road to healing may not always be smooth, there is beauty in the resilience and strength that emerge along the way. With faith and perseverance, we can navigate this path with the assurance that God is with us, guiding us toward wholeness and restoration.

What are some practical steps one can take to embark on the journey of healing?

P.S. I know you Bloomers want more from this topic – stay tuned for part 2 (Healing Expedition: The Path to Recovery)