My German shepherd, Mia, had surgery in March to remove a growth on her back foot.

She injured it a couple of years ago by jumping our fence. She developed a nasty wound that we cleaned and sprayed with an antibiotic. We thought it had healed. However, after a year and a half, a mass formed in the wound.

Wounded.

The wound continued to grow, so we took her in to have the mass removed. The vet warned us there would not be enough skin to suture it, so she would have a large wound which we would have to keep very clean and bandaged. Every three days, we returned to have the bandages changed.

One night I took Mia outside and she took off in pursuit of a cat! Despite her bandaged appendage, her instincts took over, and she ran all over our four-and-a-half acre property and bounded into our creek. I had not leashed her because I did not think she would run since she could barely walk.

We had an appointment already scheduled for two days later. The vet confirmed that Mia’s wound was infected. It was ugly–bright red and inflamed. He removed more tissue to culture it for bacteria, informing us that if we did not act soon the infection could move into the bone which could result in amputation of her lower leg. Mia was in pain. I felt so bad for her. Since she is an active dog who watches over our ducks and chickens, this would be devastating for her and us. (And because we love her).

We started laser treatments. She had three sessions. This helped a lot! We saw a difference right away. We kept the wound clean, give her medication, and waited for her body’s immune system to take over. Our entire house was centered around our dog. The smaller bathroom became her personal clinic, storing everything she needs to keep her comfortable and well. At last, she is doing well.

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

~Isaiah 58:8 ESV

Friend, we’ve all experienced wounds that have necessitated a doctor’s intervention. We also experience emotional and spiritual wounds. People hurt, betray, slander, bully, and abuse. Sometimes those wounds take longer to heal than physical wounds. Our hearts can become an open wound–ugly and inflamed. If something triggers a memory, we can react in anger or in pain. We might try to medicate the pain with temporary fixes like food, alcohol, drugs, or unhealthy relationships. The problem is, none of these methods help. The infection goes deeper…it can even make us physically sick.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

~Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV

Forgiveness is like the laser the vet used to promote healing in Mia’s foot. It penetrates damaged hearts and souls with the Light of Jesus. We are not condoning the injustice someone did to us when we forgive. But, we free ourselves from the prison and the damage holding on to the injury causes. Forgiveness allows the healing power of Jesus to restore and regenerate us.

Let go of the hurt and the re-runs that play in your mind and let the power of Jesus heal your heart and soul as you forgive those who have wounded you, just as Jesus has forgiven you for wrongs you have done.

Are you willing to forgive those who have wounded you?

Heavenly Father, help me to forgive others who have wounded, betrayed, or slandered me just as You have forgiven me.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Wounded: Stephanie Pavlantos: All Right Reserved.