Ever since I was born, I have always had a big scar on my side, and scars all over my body. To be honest, I never really knew anything different. But when I entered kindergarten, I realized that the other kids did not have any. But even then, my scars did not bother me.

However, when I got older, people started staring at me more. Everyone would look at me strange, especially if I was changing in the girl's locker room. People were too afraid to ask me where it came from, or what I had been through that caused that scar. They would just talk among themselves, wondering what had happened to me; or they would just simply stare. There would be times where I could hear "Oh my gosh, what happened to her?!" Throughout those times, I tried to keep my spirits high. However, one day I can remember I tried taking Scotch tape to try and cover them up. (I know that's stupid, it's clear tape). But I knew better than that. I knew I shouldn't get down because I knew that the scars saved my life, and without them, I would not be here today.

I was born at 23 weeks. I was a micro preemie. A micro preemie is a baby that is born before 29 weeks of gestation. There are several developments that occur while in the womb, however, I was unable to accomplish this. A thin layer of opaque skin covered over my fragile body. The cartilage of my tiny ear was not developed. The most important organ needed to survive was nascent. I had very weak lungs. I was put on a ventilator and life support.

Every second, hour, and day was a constant battle. They were scared to lose me. The world collapsed on my parents. Anxiety and fear ate at them every day, scared to lose me too. The tests and IVs continued just as the prayers. Each day was a progress. Living with a tube in your throat and needles in your veins is difficult. Miracles happen every day.

"He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles." -Job 5:9 (NLT).

Because of the condition I was in, I had a lot of bloodwork done, and many surgeries. I obviously do not remember any of it, but I am very blessed to be alive today. Yes, my many surgeries left scars behind, but I am very thankful for my scars. It reminds me every day, that God had saved me, and he gave me this wonderful life to live. My scars show me that miracles happen every day and they can happen to you. On my worse days, when I can feel the devil biting down at me, I look in the mirror and I am reminded that I am strong. I can make it through anything that life throws my way. It really is one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.

If you have any kind of scar that you are embarrassed about, don't be. Look at the beauty of it, and remind yourself that it stands for more than just a flaw on your body. Remember that you went through a hard time, and you made it through alive. If someone asks about it someday, share your story with them. Let them know how strong and brave you are. Show them you are a fighter, and that your life means something fighting for. You never know, you may inspire someone.