KINTSUGI - THE SCARS OF GOLD
Legend states that the ancient art of Kintsugi originated in the 15th century when a Japanese shogun broke his favourite tea bowl. He loved the bowl so much that he sent it back to China to be repaired. Today, broken pieces of pottery are glued together creating a beautiful jewel, emphasizing broken pieces rather than hiding them.
As gold enhances the Kintsugi pottery so our scars enhance us. They are our wounds that have been healed. Touched by The Great Artisan, The Great Creator, they become gold in the Master's Hands. We do not need to hide our scars. They tell the story of our healing of the broken pieces of our lives. There is no longer shame in the scars. They have become the glorious story of redemption and healing.
'Twas battered and scarred
And the auctioneer thought it hardly worth while
To waste his time on the old violin
But he held it up with a smile
"What am I bid, good people" he cried
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
One dollar, one dollar, do I hear two?
Two dollars, who makes it three?
Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three"
From the room far back a grey bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angels sings
The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I have two?
Two thousand, two thousand, Who makes it three?
Three thousand once, three thousand twice
Going and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried
We do not quite understand
What changed its worth
Swift came the reply
The touch of the Master's Hand.....Myra Brooks Welch
"When Jesus appeared to the disciples they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit
Then he showed them his scars
"See my hands and feet that it is I myself."
Touch and see." Luke 24:37
"By his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53.5