for you arlene...

"Scarred People Are Beautiful"
Rev. Charles Cooke

Man speaks:

I've seen a number of movies lately, Lord
like Romeo and Juliet.
The love of young people, at least in those movies,
is beautiful...
so simple... so total... so uncomplicated.
They seem so natural,
so free in their emotions, so clear in their feelings.
I wish I could be like that, Lord, but it can't be.
Why is it so?

I've been hurt, Lord.
I have trusted and been betrayed at times.
I have loved and received nothing in return.
I have tried hard to care and failed often.
I have shared my secrets and, heard them
whispered to others.
I have been warm and received a cold shoulder.

I have been through it, Lord.
I've fallen on my face.
I've banged my shins.
I've been bruised.
Look, Lord, I'm all covered with scars!

The Lord Speaks:

Maybe you haven't understood enough;
Maybe you haven't learned that human life is like that:
All saints are scarred.

Young love isn't the highest form of human love.
The greatest love comes from scarred people.
I know that many people stop loving so they
won't be hurt again.

But those people who do start over again,
who continue in spite of all,
who leave themselves open
to the possibility of being hurt again --

These people are able to love again in a deeper way,
a more understanding way,
a richer way.

Man's response:

I think I know what you mean, Lord.
I've met people like that...
and knowing them gives me courage.
The great people are those who continue
to love with their scars.
I like SCARRED PEOPLE, LORD --
THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL.