Your scars are beautiful.
They are the brushstrokes
in the masterpiece
that is your life.
Kathy Cawthon

(Editor's note: We have had many requests from subscribers to re-run a few of our most popular affirmations so they can print them out and share them with friends and family who don't have computer access. We are happy to do that over the course of the next several weeks.)

Ancient legend tells of the powerful Amazons, a race of one-breasted female warriors. These fierce fighting women, known for their skill as archers, underwent voluntary mastectomies so their breasts would not interfere with their aim. Their very survival depended upon the radical surgery.

Legend also tells of the Scythian culture in which women were expected to fight alongside the men. A mastectomy of the right breast was performed on female infants to prevent weakening of the pectoral muscle on that side. This ensured the girls would be able to brandish a sword with power and skill.

Scholars debate whether there is any truth behind these popular stories, but – true or not – the tales provide us with a thought-provoking way in which to reframe the way we see our scars.

Instead of looking at the scars on our bodies as reminders of illness and weakness, we could look at them as evidence that illness and weakness were removed from our bodies, making us more powerful than we were before. We could take pride in our scars because they are proof of battles we have fought and won. They speak of our courage and resolve. They tell the stories of our lives.

As we age, our faces and bodies naturally develop lines and wrinkles in addition to the scars that result from accidents and surgeries. Instead of fighting the lines and wrinkles with cosmetic surgeries and hiding our battle scars as if they are shameful or embarrassing, why not look at them as evidence of the rich collection of experiences that have shaped our characters over time
and made us who we are today?

Each of us is a miracle, and each of us is a masterpiece of the Creator.

One-of-a-kind. No two alike. A singular work of art
full of power and promise.

Rejoice in all of your brushstrokes!

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that I am Your creation

and that everything You have created is perfect and beautiful.

 Amen

Roger and Kathy Cawthon