Things Mama Taught Me: "Don't Pick at a Scab"

Eww, gross! Yes, the topic I'm writing about is just a bit on the unpleasant side. Why did our mothers (because probably yours said this too) tell us not to pick at the scabs on our scraped knees, our mosquito bites, and even our chicken pox? Why did we want to anyway? Well, because they were there? Or maybe it was the itch that sometimes comes when healing is underway

4 Our mothers knew that picking off the protection that nature has provided reopens the wound and might cause fresh pain and more bleeding. And more trauma for the afflicted youngster! Not a good idea.

4 Taking the cover off the healing wound tears the new skin that is forming. That delays the healing process and is apt to cause scarring.

4 Opening the wound open again increases the chances of bacteria entering and an infection developing. A greater chance of scarring.

4 When left alone, eventually the crusty scab will be shed—without any help—and bright, new skin is underneath.

This is a great deal like the injuries we sometimes suffer emotionally. Someone hurts us, and it is natural for us to have some kind of response. We may realize the hurt was unintentional, or it may have been completely unrelated to us and we just happened to be handy as a target. We may understand that the other person has unresolved issues, or we may truly have been at fault but were dealt with harshly. Whatever the reason, we have been wounded; now what do we do? The Bible is very clear about our need to forgive, and if possible to seek reconciliation with the other.

But often people treat personal injuries much like children treat scraped knees. In a little while, the initial sting has gone away, but they begin to pick at the healing offense. Time goes by and they continue to re-open the wound, never treating it with the antiseptic of forgiveness and then leaving it alone to heal. What happens then?

4 Every time remembrance of the offense comes to mind, or whenever the offending person is around, there is fresh pain and more "bleeding." The trauma is kept as current as when it first occurred.

4 The healing process is delayed, or it never happens at all. Scarring is almost inevitable, and to a much greater degree than that of a clean, neatly healed injury.

4 Bad stuff can get into the wound: ill will, revenge, gossip, and other things that infect the spirit. This infection can become so vicious that it attacks other people who are nearby.

I have a few scars from childhood injuries that I did not allow to heal well. But with the help of the great Forgiver, I am working hard to promote healing of inward "scrapes" so that they can heal cleanly!

MaryMartha

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/