Scars Like These

“Scars Like These” is a pivotal song on Praise Anyway—bridging the raw emotional honesty of “Jackie’s Song” with the deeper work of healing. It’s not just about surviving pain, but about learning to live with it—honoring the scars rather than hiding them.

After walking through depression and loss, Mandisa often spoke about how healing didn’t erase her wounds—it transformed them. In Scripture, Jesus’ resurrected body still bore scars—a sign that scars don’t mean brokenness, but proof of love and survival.

This song would likely be a testimony of self-acceptance, faith in the ongoing work of grace, and encouragement to others that your scars are sacred, not shameful.

Arc Overview

In the arc for the album through grief → healing → joy → purpose this track begins the dive into healing and rediscovery of joy.

Lyrics

Verse 1
I used to hide behind long sleeves
Cover up the cracks no one could see
But broken things can still breathe
And I’m still breathing

I tried to pray the pain away
But healing came another way
Through every tear I didn’t fake
And I’m still healing

Pre-Chorus
I thought my wounds disqualified me
But grace said, “No, they certify you”

Chorus
Scars like these don’t mean I’m weak
They show the battles I've walked through
Proof that mercy carried me
When I couldn't carry truth
I don’t need to be pristine
To be seen or to be free
There’s beauty God can only bring
From scars like these

Verse 2
There’s a girl behind the stage
She’s wondering if God makes mistakes
I’d tell her, “No, He sees your face—
And all your story”

Every shame-stained memory
Every doubt and “Why’d He leave?”
He’s been rewriting every piece
With glory

Pre-Chorus
These lines on me—they’re holy chapters
Not the end, just aftermath of
Love that stayed

Chorus
Scars like these don’t mean I’m weak
They show the battles I’ve walked through
Proof that mercy carried me
When I couldn’t carry truth
I don’t need to be pristine
To be seen or to be free
There’s beauty God can only bring
From scars like these

Bridge
Even Jesus kept His scars
Love won’t hide what broke His heart
He wears them still, and so will I
Until I see the other side

Final Chorus
Scars like these don’t shame me now
They sing the song of grace allowed
Proof that mercy carried me
And made a masterpiece from grief
No, I don’t need to be pristine
To be loved or to believe
There’s beauty God is still redeeming
In scars like these

Themes

• Vulnerability → Strength
• God’s grace doesn't erase our past—it redeems it
• Scars are testimonies, not defects