Earth’s Hurts Heaven’s Healing

Earth has no sorrow…

I performed a few songs for a youth group one night in California.

I noticed a disgruntled boy in the front row.

He looked like the least impressed person in the room as I rapped.

(Teenage crowds, are the toughest crowds.)

I finished my last song, said a prayer for everyone, and I began packing up on stage.

The unimpressed boy was now standing close to me.

He actually said he liked what I did on stage with my music.

More to my surprise, he even shared more.

He said that most people who share at their youth group, he doesn’t relate to at all. He made it clear my music struck a chord with him.

Before I could share more from my end, he floored me as he shared his story, and why he was such a troubled 17-year old kid.

Trauma, drugs, family issues galore, neglect, you name it.

He had endured a barrage of hardships, no person should have to suffer.

Especially at such a young age. 

But the most sobering part of his story wasn’t the crazy situations he had lived through. For me, I couldn’t believe my ears when he told me the following.

(This is how I recall him sharing his perspective in my own words)

I remember him basically saying,

“Ya know, it might not be all my fault that I have been through all these painful things. But, it is my responsibility to heal from them, and that’s what I’m determined to do.”  

To hear a person not even old enough to vote to say this, was astonishing.

I couldn’t believe the faith and maturity he displayed.

He was empowering himself to overcome anything that comes his way in life.

He could’ve chosen to play the victim the rest of his life, and rightfully so in the eyes of some. But, he was dedicated to healing and chose to rise above all that has tried to keep him down.

Verses To Digest:

“He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their wounds.”

Psalm 147:3

Your Next Steps:

Think about your life if you chose to be a permanent victim when terrible things happen. Then realize that by keeping the victim mentality alive, you are giving up on your healing.

You are choosing to let the trauma win and define who you are.

You are rendering yourself powerless.

Yes, I have immense empathy for those who have lived through horrific moments and seasons.

Yes, I understand that healing is a long process many times.

Yes, I am sensitive to the fact that everyone heals in their own way.

But that’s exactly why I am deeply encouraging you to leave the word “victim” behind you with your trauma, in due time.

Move forward toward the word “victor” and claim victory, even if you feel thousands of miles away.

This powerful example is being lived out by a 17-year old boy I met at a youth group in California.

I think we would all do ourselves a great service to follow his lead on this one.

Crowder sings a beautiful song that shares this lyric:

"Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven can't heal."

Let's take responsibility for our healing.

All love,

Lowery