Shame

Dozsar had a growth removed from his back paw several years ago.  He recently began licking the same spot and it developed into a sore that wouldn't heal.  He started limping and not walking correctly so I took him to the vet.  As it turns out, he has hip dysplasia.  That caused the limp.  However, we also needed to get the wound healed, too.  For that to happen meant that he needed to stop licking it.  To stop licking it required...the cone of shame.  Otherwise, he risks an infection, the loss of his leg, and potentially even his life.

I then thought about my own life.  I sometimes pick at old wounds - wounds that should have healed by now and would have if I would just leave it alone.  But, I can't.  Subsequently, the constant re-living of past wrongs and hurts keeps the wound open and raw.  It won't heal until I leave it alone.    There may be a scar that remains, but at least it will heal if I will leave it alone.  Why don't I?

I know that Jesus takes our hurts and shame.  Yet, I wonder if a little shame, remorse, and/or regret would do us some good.  I mean, come on.  This thing would have been healed and done and over if we would just leave it alone.  But, we don't. We re-live it over and over and over again.  We ought to be ashamed - ashamed that we don't leave it alone, that is!  The past happened.  Deal with it.  Move on and let it remain in the past.  To do otherwise is crippling.

Dozsar hated the cone.  It was awkward for him.  It was awkward for us.  Yet, it was necessary for him to heal.  Maybe we could use a good dose of healthy shame in order to heal.  Look to Jesus for help.

Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  ~Hebrews 12:2