Book Drawing! “Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past is Not Wasted” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Dr. Bengtson says, “Your ragged and torn past may be the key to God’s future for you!”
That’s why I’m so excited to feature Dr. Bengtson’s fabulous book in a drawing. You might win her book! Drawing ends evening of July 14, 2024. Keep reading for more details. UPDATE: DRAWING IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO TISHA–THE WINNER!
Michelle writes, “We all endure trials, pain, and hardship in this life. Too often we believe these experiences disqualify us from being useful to God. But the truth is, your past pain and brokenness serve as preparation for what God wants to do in and through you—if you will surrender to and trust him.
In Sacred Scars, neuropsychologist and fellow sufferer Dr. Michelle Bengtson helps you
- understand suffering from a biblical perspective
- discover how the trials of your life serve a purpose
- reflect on the healing that God has accomplished
- comfort others with the comfort God has given you
Just as Jesus’s scars didn’t disappear after his resurrection, our emotional or physical scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of God’s love and power. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.
Doesn’t her book sound fabulous? And it is. I have personally seen God use my own sins as sacred scars that He has used for His glory. Your scars may be physical, emotional, spiritually, or mental. It doesn’t matter, God says He is powerful enough to use them. That’s why Sacred Scars is being used by God in great ways. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Bengtson’s book.
Your Scars Are Valuable for God’s Use
by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Pain. If we aren’t experiencing physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual pain now, either we recently have, we likely soon will, or we are walking alongside someone in the trenches who wonders if they will survive. For many, this world is a treacherous place, and pain and sorrow seem daily on the horizon. There is no escaping the pain of this life until God calls us home, but there is hope in the waiting. There are lessons to be gleaned from the wilderness. There are promises we’ve been given as a lifeline when no one else can offer assurances.
Friend, I don’t know what variety of pain you’re walking through or have recently survived, but I want you to know you’re not alone and God doesn’t waste our pain. Time and distance may make sharing over coffee together an impossibility, but you’re in my thoughts, in my heart, and in my prayers as I type these words. I want you to know you will get through this, of that I’m certain. How can I be so certain, you ask? Have you not so far survived every single difficult circumstance in your life one hundred percent of the time? You have. You’re here now. Those trials may not have turned out exactly as you’d hoped, and you may have made a few mistakes along the way. We’re all flawed, and that’s okay. You may have the bumps, bruises, and scars in the form of loss, grief, shame, guilt, or regret to show for the battles you fought, but that means you SURVIVED!
If we were sitting together, watching the cows graze next door, me with my coffee in hand and you with your beverage of choice, I’d hope that you would share about your battle wounds and scars.
Each one tells an important story and helps create the narrative of who you are. And each one is sacred. God doesn’t treat your scars lightly. Nor does he ignore their impact on your life. He doesn’t just use your scars as a tool. God shapes your scars and shapes you in the process. You are braver, stronger, more tenacious, more resilient, and more beautiful for them.
Your scars are valuable, as are the stories they tell. Your scars may not be physical scars that can be seen by the eye but may be emotional scars, relationship scars, grief-born scars, or even spiritual scars—scars that can be perceived and understood only through the wisdom and experience of a fellow sufferer.
And some scars may be known only by God. Friend, I don’t know the pain you’ve endured or the scars you now carry, but I have found that, much like soldiers on the front lines of war, we can endure much more when we know we aren’t in the muck alone.
When we’re in a painful battle, we wonder, Will I make it through this? How will this change my life? and Is there purpose in my pain? Loneliness often accompanies the crucible of pain, and we long to know we aren’t alone in our suffering and that someone else understands. It’s then that reading the stories of others who have walked similar paths has the potential to most encourage our hearts. And once we’ve come through the furnace of suffering, we can share our stories with others who feel the way we once did. Sometimes our stories encourage others to stay the course. Many times, stories inform and give hard-earned wisdom to someone just a few rungs down on the ladder of their own journey. Often, they inspire us to reach beyond what we thought we were capable of. Occasionally, they redirect the course of our future. But they always serve a purpose and impact us if we’ll let them, because God never wastes our pain.
Thank you, Michelle for writing this book and making a copy available for the winner of the random drawing. The drawing ends Sunday evening, July 14, 2024. Only US addresses can win.
UPDATE: DRAWING IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO TISHA–THE WINNER!
Enter by commenting on the blog post.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! Her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others, whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books including Hope Prevails, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, and The Hem of His Garment. Her newest release is Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past is Not Wasted. She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when any of those are accompanied by sea salt caramel chocolate! You can find her and her hope-filled resources at DrMichelleB.com
Links for connecting with Michelle and buying her book::
Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson
Podcast: https://apple.co/2madPRo or https://bit.ly/3ef2fvs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w64SHF
This looks like a helpful read. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you are entering the drawing, Michael. It is indeed a helpful and inspiring book.
I think this book would help me to stay faithful and hopeful during trials, as well as equip me to encourage others ♥
Terri, I totally agree with you Terri because as I read Michelle’s book, I felt the same way. Thank you for entering the drawing.
Just thinking about scars and what Jesus went through is hard. This book is something we could all learn from. I can’t find the word scars in the Bible, I’m sure there is some reference to it. It might help to read her book. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing that wisdom, Joyce. And for bringing up whether the word scars is in the Bible. What a fascinating word study that will be. In fact, you inspired me and I did a fast search and couldn’t find it. But I’m sure that in whatever way Michelle intends it will be doctrinally accurate. So thank you again, Joyce, for prompting us to consider this. And I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Needing this book 📖 it sounds like there are moments of healing from The Holy Spirit in the pages ✝️
Cynthia, I’m so glad you recognize the need of all of us for this book. I’m glad to put your name into the drawing.
I have read Sacred Scars and just read this blog sharing her heart about her book. As I read her book, my heart received the soothing comfort that her words of encouragement brought for you see I am in great pain and this pain I suffer is from the loss of my hubby of 55 years. I am in my grief journey and the scriptures, the stories, the hope and encouragement that Dr. Michelle has written even from her own pain journey helped me through another moment and another day processing my loss. I was so blessed by the timing of the release of her book and the message of hope it brought. I now have a resource to refer back to as my healing journey continues.
Karen, I’m so very very sorry for your loss. Larry and I just celebrated our 54th anniversary and I can’t imagine losing him. My heart goes out to you. I’m glad Michelle’s book is being such a support for you. I would expect it would. I put your name into the drawing.
Every book Dr. Michelle writes is from the heart. They are not lectures, they are testimonials that make a real difference to each and every reader.
Becky, you are certainly correct that every book Michelle writes is from the heart. Along with the biblical wisdom she shares, she touches both the heart and the mind. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Just from reading the summary it sounds as if this book contains a compelling and heartful message that offers hope and healing.
You are right, Linda. And her message is beneficial for everyone. I’m so glad to put your name into the drawing.
I’m not entering the contest… just wanted to say what a fabulous offer this is for someone who wants to read a great book!
Janis, as you requested, I won’t put your name into the drawing but thank you for affirming the offer as valuable.
Sounds like a wonderful book. I’ll buy it if I don’t win… 😂
I’m glad you’ve entered the drawing and if your name isn’t drawn, I know you’ll find value in buying it.
I would love to read this helpful and hopeful book. It would help me to make sense of my past and the scars from my past.
Yes, Wen, that is exactly Michelle’s goal, to help us all for the wounds from our past. I’ve put your name into the drawing. Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like a wonderful read! I love the idea of Sacred Scars. Years ago, when I was going through a very difficult time in life, I received an encouraging booklet from a friend titled “Turn your scars into stars.” That has always remained in my heart and mind. Consequently, the title of this book caught my attention.
Darlene, I’m so glad you see the value of Michelle’s book. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
This book looks like a great one when someone is trying to make sense of all the usually bad experiences from the past. I would like to go through it to look at how Father used my scars for His glory, as I tell my stories. Sounds like a great book!Hmm . . .
Marcia, it’s always a treat to hear from you. I love your wording and isn’t it true! We want to try to figure it out–does it make sense? Dr. Bengtson’s book does indeed help us to do that, even when we must accept we will never know. Thanks for entering your name into the drawing.
Michelle is a close friend of mine. I love her books. I have this one on Kindle, and I have not read it yet. Your post and review is so wonderful! I’m looking forward to reading it soon.
Sarah, I’m so glad you have the book already so that you can access it right away. And I’ll still put your name into the drawing since you can always pass it along so that others will be blessed.
I’ve often wondered why so much of my life was so difficult. I know it gave me tenacity and a greater appreciation for what I have now but so much time that seems lost. I will buy the book if I don’t win. Sounds like a good one for me. Thanks for making this available Kathy.
Kat, I always appreciate those who are willing to buy the book even if they don’t win the book. Thankfully for all, I use a random method so everyone is counted equally. Thanks for participating!
This book looks like something we can all use. Thank you for sharing.
Sheila, Thanks so much for entering the drawing. And yes, you are right. Every one of us can benefit from this book because we all have difficult things in our lives. So glad you dropped by.
Sounds like a much needed book.
Thank you, Tisha, for seeing the value of Michelle’s book. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Tisha! You are the winner of the drawing! Congratulations! I will connect you with Michelle by email to coordinate receiving your book. Thank you for entering the drawing.