Are You A Wounded Healer? You may not even know there is a name for it; you are too busy doing what needs to be done. You have been wounded, hurt, maybe even abused. We are all wounded throughout our lives, physically, emotionally, psychologically; some of us have been hurt in more ways than we can remember.
A Wounded Healer is one who, although they have been wounded time and time again; they learn to take those experiences and use them to help others during their time of loss, tragedy, grief, and pain or illness. They realize that though they have suffered, they have also learned, and they can now benefit from that suffering.
Now they have become a Wounded Healer.
God isn’t causing the pain but He can use the pain to get your attention and help you grow and teach you compassion and grace. You learn how to minister to others in the middle of your own pain and it helps you heal!
I believe that is what the scripture means when it says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT.
Several years ago some dear friends of ours lost their teenage son in a terrible car accident. He was transported to the hospital and not expected to make it through the night. Their cousins, who had lost their own son at the age of five, heard about the accident and rushed to the hospital to be with them. They were one of the very few who KNEW what that Mom and Dad were going to face in those critical hours ahead and they wanted to be there for them. Sure the hospital was full of people, but there were not many Wounded Healers close by and it was a blessing to have them when they faced the tragedy of losing their oldest son.
These special Angels of Mercy will probably not have a set of initials after their name, they won’t claim to know it all, and they won’t have all the answers. But they know how to listen, they know how to care, they show up with a casserole, a care package, they sit with you through the night if need be. Sometimes they say nothing at all. They’ve been there. They were wounded, they know. Silence is golden, a hug is better than words.
Jesus is a Wounded Healer. He experienced our wounds by coming in flesh so that He could feel what we feel. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. NKJV.
If you have damaged emotions and physical and emotional scars, Jesus is able to take care of those. He gave His life at Calvary and rose again so that we could have eternal life AND be healers on this earth. We cannot have open wounds and be a healer, we must have those taken care of and Jesus is the One who can heal our hurts so we can become the blessing God intended.
Maybe you have never thought you had anything to offer. My friend, I am certain you do. If the Lord has forgiven you and restored you, pray for opportunities to give others hope and a light at the end of their tunnel. Pray for wisdom above all, it is not an easy road to walk but there are great rewards.
Are there areas in your life where you have had opportunity to be a Wounded Healer? I would love to hear about them! Has someone else been a Wounded Healer to you? Feel free to share your thoughts and encourage others here today.
Oh Nanette, not only is this beautifully written and gives hope in the healing and to the “wounded healer” but you have touched and moved my soul with putting an actual name to this role! Each example nearly broke my heart. However, your scripture verse of Jesus is one I claimed as our adopted daughter battled her teen years with lupus and finally the medicines broke her back in 3 places, but we claimed Isaiah 53:5 and saw God do a miracle through much suffering and relearning. You have captured so well what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus (mostly the heart). You are so right about who can minister better than one who has passed through that circumstance. How beautiful you minister and bless us with Our precious Wounded Healer. I will remember this often whenever God uses one of my trials to minister to others. Because He has so often and know I understand why. Thank you! You and your gift of words have blessed my journey and tied it all together so beautifully from a heart that serves Jesus like you do and have. Thank you in Jesus name. Praying for a mighty outpouring in Latvia and for you and this conference as you and your sweetheart minister! May God be with you and meet every need.
Peace and love in Christ,
Peggy
You are right Jennifer, if we have never had a battle we won’t have a testimony!! Thanks for stopping by! Appreciate your encouragement.
Beautifully written Nannette! I have always said when you go through something God gives you a testimony to share with those on down the road. There is much to be gleaned by those who have travelled the path before (in all areas of life). Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts!
Sometimes we dont understand why we go through some of the situations and circumstances we do, but God is Lord over everything and because of His love He gives us the strenght to come through. It is all for His glory hence we can turn them around to help someone else and to give Him praise. I thank God for all my valley moments because my faith is strenghtened through them and I can encourage someone else as they go through that God is well able…this article is surely a blessing!
I like that too! Maybe you should elaborate on that in an article! 🙂
Wonderful post! I have found this to be so true, both in giving and receiving just the right thing for the moment. Made me think of the saying, you can be bitter, or you can be better. When we choose to be better, and see the good, God will use us to minister.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for visiting the blog, glad you enjoyed the post. I’m not surprised you are a Wounded Healer 🙂 God Bless!
Sis. Elkins,
The Wounded Healer was wonderful and eye opening. Thank you!!