Open Wounds Can Heal: My Journey

By Dr. Alicia D. Williams and Marsha Spence Gayles

Experiences and people can hurt us and leave us desperate and afraid. But if we are willing to do the work, wounds can heal, no matter the type. Are you ready to discover a path toward healing through God's love? In Open Wounds Can Heal: My Journey, Dr. Alicia D. Williams shares an uplifting message of hope, faith and grace to the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Aug 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885908085

Dr. Alicia D. Williams

Dr. Alicia D. Williams is the Founder of Vessels for God International, a nonprofit organization. She is an International Evangelist, a Motivational Speaker, Radio Host, and conducts Revivals, Retreats, Intercessory Prayer, Single Conferences, locally and abroad. Dr. Williams has served on International Missions in the Caribbean such as Jamaica WI, Barbados, and Trinidad. She has traveled to Gambia, West Africa and Nairobi, Kenya East Africa. Dr. Williams served in the United States Airforce, Navy, and Army Guard and received Honorable Discharge from all three branches of service. Dr. Williams is a graduate of Bowie State University, and she completed her Master's and Doctorate Degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Above all, Dr. Williams is a humble servant who loves God and His people. Dr. Williams' God given assignment is to empower, inspire, and encourage others to be the best version of themselves through Christ.

Book preview

Chapter One

Wounds

A

ccording to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a wound is an injury to the body (as from violence, accident, or surgery) that typically involves laceration or breaking of a membrane (such as the skin) and usually damage to underlying tissues. A wound is also a mental or emotional blow. From another perspective on the types of wounds, an open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in body tissue, usually involving skin. Nearly everyone will experience an open wound at some point in their life.

There are three types of open wounds; one type is abrasion, which occurs when your skin rubs or scrapes against a rough or hard surface. Road rash is an example of an abrasion. Another type of wound is a laceration, or a deep cut or tearing of your skin frequently caused by accidents with tools, knives, and machinery. There are puncture wounds, or small holes caused by a long pointy object, such as a nail or needle.

The scripture declares in Luke 10:34, He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then set him on his animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him (English Standard Version).

There are times as human beings we lose touch with the world and forget what it means to care for someone who is in pain. The love of God was shown through the Good Samaritan; he showed compassion and help care for a stranger's wounds.

But he was wounded for our transgression; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes, we are healed. (Isa. 53:5 New International Version).

All the various types of wounds have something in common: the need for physical care. Inwardly there is a lot of pain, anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, and each of these represents a wound.

A wound is more than a physical injury—it goes beyond the outer part of our body. The pain within an individual is so real and often goes unrecognized until it is expressed. This book is a platform for me to share and express the inner wounds I have experienced and to let others know that there is healing available. God is sovereign and knows exactly how to attend to our pain; we do not have to suffer in silence.

When one is deeply wounded, it takes great effort to trust others and to open up and share life experiences. Nevertheless, we have to move toward healing so that our wounds can be dealt with, cleaned out, and receive fresh circulation. This is the same for emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds. We will need the word of God to penetrate our hearts so that we can confront the pain and trauma experienced in our lives. Wounds that are unattended to such as physical, emotional, or spiritual wounds become infected and take longer to heal. It is not easy to open ourselves and share pain with others, but we must remember that we can no longer suffer in silence. It is time to let each other know that we are not alone in this healing process. God sees our pain, and he is here to deliver us as we step out on faith and expose these wounds so they can be healed.

You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. (Matt. 23:26 ESV)

It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth; this defiles a person. (Matt. 15:11 ESV)

To prevent the wound from being infected, the wound needs cleaning from the inside out. There are people all over the world who continue to seek care for their wounds. To become whole, one must seek God, who has the power to make one well from the inside out.

There are girls, boys, women, and men throughout the world who have dealt with or are dealing with emotional, mental, sexual, physical, and financial wounds that require healing. On the other hand, their teachers, pastors, family, and friends must continue to provide consistent support to our caregivers, therapists, and community workers who are dealing with helping the wounded. It is important to have a support system for our men, women, children, and families to be able to have access to someone for help when they are facing a crisis.

Chapter Two

The Stigma of Mental Wounds

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n chapter 1, I began sharing about wounds and the several types and how many people are affected outwardly and inwardly. According to healthline.com/health/depression/facts/-statistics-infographic, it is a fact that many are still suffering from depression.

According to Healthline, 25 percent of patients are admitted to a hospital due to depression and are diagnosed with psychotic depression, and 10 to 15 percent of US women develop major postpartum depression (statistics were cited from National Institution of Mental Health, American Psychological Association, Psychiatry Study published by the Shimane University School of Medicine).

The wounds of the past have affected my life in so many ways. However, I have gained my strength from God, and I am ready to speak out about how my past wounds have caused me to be depressed at times. I know that there are so many others in the world like me who continue to suffer in silence regarding the