Nail Prints

“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Several years ago the living and dining rooms were renovated, as a result I had to decide what the new decor would be for those areas. Prior to the renovation everything was removed from the walls in those areas. Once the project was complete my contractor asked, “is there anything you wanted placed on the walls”, I said, “you can just put the footprints portrait back.” The contractor asked, “where do you want it?” I remarked, “place it where you see the nail print.” Even after the renovation that nail print mark still was identifiable. Nail print, a mark made by a nail…

Jesus has been crucified, buried, resurrected, seen by various people, and yet still has one individual that needs to encounter the nail prints experienced. As I reflected on this story, what comes to mind is how many times do we need to prove to others what we’ve been through by way of nail prints, wounds or scars? It’s as if we’re constantly replaying the trauma because we are defending our wounds. Jesus experiences Thomas doubting the encounter of the cross and says come place your finger here, touch my side, stop doubting, and believe. Understand that even when people see the nail prints they won’t always believe, we must learn how to embrace our lived experiences regardless of who chooses not to believe. I went through it, I experienced the pain, I felt the betrayal, I made the mistake, etc. Please know my nail prints are not up for debate, believe it or not. Understand the great blessing is in your believing without seeing verses belief after you’ve seen. Watch out for the constant Thomas’s in your life who try to make you doubt your own experiences.

Be blessed!!!