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Life hurts—sometimes. We face both big and small “owies.” We carry fears, anxieties, and memories that shape us.
For me, the wounds began early—when I was just five years old. I was playing in the sandbox at a neighbor's house with their little girl. As long as I stayed in the backyard, I felt safe. But eventually, I wanted to go home. She didn’t want me to leave and refused to walk me to the gate. So I ran—alone.
That’s when their big red Chow dog attacked me. It mauled both of my arms and both of my legs. I don’t remember what happened next, but I’ve been told I was rushed to the hospital, where the doctor cauterized the bite wounds. I still carry the scars. And that’s where my fear of dogs began.
Some fears are easier to trace than others. I’m not sure why I’m afraid of cars. Maybe it’s the fear of being run over. Even as an adult I am still fearful. I remember when Chris and I were in Paris—I couldn’t bring myself to cross the street because of the overwhelming traffic. Chris had to gently guide me across by holding my neck and back, slowly pushing me forward. Since then, I’ve found it easier to just avoid cities altogether.
Another painful moment came when I was 7, visiting Grandma Grace Belle and Grandpa Roy. I was jumping from the hayloft into the soft hay below, laughing and playing. But as I walked back to climb up again, I stepped on a sharp piece of coal and twisted my left foot badly. It hurt so much that I begged my older brother Jay to carry me into the house. My foot was soaked in salt water and wrapped. And then? I went right back out to keep jumping. But from that day on, my left foot always hurt. We found out later that it was broken. I have a bone pile under my ankle. I never had trouble telling my left from my right after that.
These experiences left more than physical scars. They planted deep longings—for safety, for healing, for peace.
So when I first heard in Sunday school that if I believed in Jesus, I would have eternal life—life without pain or tears—it was exactly what my heart longed for. That day, I put my trust in Jesus. I believed He would save me, and that one day, I’d live with Him forever.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand more deeply the truth of the Gospel: that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but Jesus paid the price. We can trust Him—He loves us, prays for us, and protects us. And year after year, I’ve only grown more in love with Him.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
