Mandisa - What Scars Are For Lyrics
Lyrics
These scars aren't pretty
But they're a part of me
And will not ever fade away
These marks tell a story
Of me down in the valley
And how You reached in with Your grace
And healed me
They remind me of Your faithfulness
And all You brought me through
They teach me that my brokenness
Is something You can use
They show me where I've been and
That I'm not there any more
That's what scars, that's what scars are for
Erase, rewind
Wish I could every time
The hurt, the pain cuts so deep
But when I'm weak You're strong
And in Your power I can carry on
And my scars say that You won't ever leave
I see it on the cross
The nails You took for me
Scars can change the world
Scars can set me free
Video
Mandisa - What Scars Are For (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Mandisa's "What Scars Are For," found on the 2013 deluxe edition of her album *Overcomer*, is a profound declaration of faith and resilience, anchoring its message firmly in the transformative power of God's grace. The song doesn't shy away from acknowledging the pain and brokenness that life often inflicts, but instead reclaims these painful experiences, reframing them as evidence of God's faithfulness and redemptive work. Mandisa articulates a deeply personal truth: that the "marks" left by trials are not simply blemishes to be hidden, but testaments to survival and growth, pointing back to the divine hand that brought her through. This perspective resonates deeply with biblical narratives of overcoming adversity through faith, echoing sentiments found in passages like Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The lyrics powerfully illustrate that what might seem like irreparable damage can, in God's economy, become a source of strength and testimony.
The central theme of "What Scars Are For" is the Christian understanding of suffering as a pathway to deeper spiritual maturity and a more profound appreciation of God's power. Mandisa reminds us that these "scars" are not meant to be erased or forgotten, but are integral to our story, a reminder of where we have been and, more importantly, where God has brought us. This aligns with the biblical concept of remembrance and testimony. Just as the Israelites were called to remember God's deliverance (Deuteronomy 6:12), Mandisa finds value in remembering her own journey. The song highlights the transformative nature of brokenness, suggesting that it is precisely in our moments of deepest weakness that God's strength is most evident, a concept beautifully captured in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." This notion of God utilizing our perceived imperfections and past hurts to showcase His glory is a cornerstone of the song's inspirational message.
Furthermore, Mandisa extends the meaning of scars beyond the personal, drawing a powerful parallel to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The imagery of the nails and the cross serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate scars endured for humanity's salvation, a sacrifice that has the power to "change the world" and "set us free," as the lyrics proclaim. This connection elevates the song from a personal testimony to a universal declaration of Christian hope. The cross, with its profound suffering, became the instrument of ultimate healing and liberation. This resonates with the Apostle Peter's words in 1 Peter 2:24, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." Mandisa's song, therefore, is not just about enduring personal hardship but about finding hope and purpose in the redemptive suffering of Christ, understanding that our own trials, when surrendered to Him, can become part of His larger, world-changing work. The song's message is a vibrant, living testament to the enduring truth that even in our deepest wounds, God's grace is present, working to heal, transform, and ultimately, to redeem.