When my students struggle to find writing topics, I often ask them to think about their scars. We start with the obvious- those raised patches of taut white skin that betray the age of the skin around them. The room that was blank stares and tapping pencils erupts in stories. We spend time reliving our bloodiest moments, complete with the stitches, staples, and tears. Then I ask them to risk a little: what about the scars that don’t show? The room quiets again.

I tell them that everything that happens to us eventually works its way out of us. Discussion always ensues and many of them disagree with me. It’s okay. At eighteen I thought I controlled the world around me with sharpened pencils and Aqua Net hairspray.

But make no mistake– what goes in comes out in one form or another. The good, the bad, the beautiful, and the damning. I realized a number of years ago that my best bloodletting happens in prayer and writing. The things we read and write leave scars just as surely as any wound. Praying you are taking in some amazing words and people, scarring yourself for the better this summer.