Your Scars Are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past

From Publishers Weekly Inspirational speaker Jaynes declares that like the wrinkled spine of a good book, internal and external scars imply a story waiting to be told. Jaynes reminds readers that they will receive scars in two ways, either by the hand of another or by their own choices. Both scenarios, Jaynes states, are invitations for Christ to restore and heal. Weaving real women's stories of abortion, sexual abuse, infidelity and the like into every chapter, Jaynes effectively explores specific topics with biblical references and practical suggestions. She details the power of recognizing Jesus' presence through one's scars by reflecting on their purpose, redeeming pain by investing in others, replacing wounds with scars and restoring a broken heart. One powerful chapter deals with the lie of disqualification that individuals succumb to after being wounded, believing that because of personal sin, ministry opportunities are destroyed. Citing Luke 22:31, Jaynes unpacks Jesus' response, "When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." While it is a given that Christians will fail, she says, God intends for them to repent and emerge stronger. Although Jaynes's writing may not rouse an emotionally riveting response, the book is a steady, reliable resource for Christians in pain. (July) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "With honesty and personal vulnerability, Sharon Jaynes openly shares the hurts of her past and uses the pain as a platform upon which others can find fresh faith and renewed courage. Your Scars Are Beautiful to God is filled with stories of people who chose positive action steps based on biblical truth in the middle of devastating personal challenges. The Bible Study Guide makes it an ideal ministry tool for small groups and for personal application. This book is for everyone who has had a less-than-perfect life." — Carol Kent, speaker and author of When I Lay My Isaac Down "As I read, and loved, Sharon Jaynes' book, I was reminded of a quote from Romeo and Juliet: 'He jests at scars that never felt a wound' . Most of us have been wounded in life, and all of us can learn much from someone who takes 'scars' seriously. In this book, you'll not only reflect on your own scars—but understand why Jesus made such a point of pointing out His scars as well. Please read this book if you've been hurt, or if you're serious about helping someone else who carries scars from their past or present hurts. Or just read it to learn more about the One whose nail-pierced hands offer each of us a world of help and hope in these challenging times." — John Trent, PhD, President of StrongFamilies and The Center for StrongFamilies "With honesty and personal vulnerability, Sharon Jaynes openly shares the hurts of her past and uses the pain as a platform upon which others can find fresh faith and renewed courage. Your Scars Are Beautiful to God is filled with stories of people who chose positive action steps based on biblical truth in the middle of devastating personal challenges. The Bible Study Guide makes it an ideal ministry tool for small groups and for personal application. This book is for everyone who has had a less-than-perfect life." — Carol Kent, speaker and author of When I Lay My Isaac Down "As I read, and loved, Sharon Jaynes' book, I was reminded of a quote from Romeo and Juliet: 'He jests at scars that never felt a wound' . Most of us have been wounded in life, and all of us can learn much from someone who takes 'scars' seriously. In this book, you'll not only reflect on your own scars—but understand why Jesus made such a point of pointing out His scars as well. Please read this book if you've been hurt, or if you're serious about helping someone else who carries scars from their past or present hurts. Or just read it to learn more about the One whose nail-pierced hands offer each of us a world of help and hope in these challenging times." — John Trent, PhD, President of StrongFamilies and The Center for StrongFamilies Sharon Jaynes is an inspirational speaker and Bible teacher for women’s conferences and events. She is also the author of several books, including Becoming the Woman of His Dreams , The Power of a Woman’s Words , and Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe . Sharon and her husband, Steve, call North Carolina home. Read more