The human body is a road map. Every stretch mark, scar, and birthmark is just another thing that tells a story and makes you who you are. Those who know what your scars stand for tend to know you on a deeper level. Some of these scars are hidden under clothing and other things, but they are still ingrained in your life forever.
There is one person, a very important person to me, who has a large scar on her body. She is probably the most important woman in my life, she is my sister. For a while I heard her say how she hated her scar, and that it made her ugly. However, that scar saved her life and I see it only as beauty. Without getting too much into her business, that scar allowed me to have a sister and a best friend.
Regardless of my sister, I also have scars, stretch marks, and birthmarks. These make my body an interesting story. The giant scar on my knee is also a conversation starter. It is just a reminder to me not to jump down stairs, but it was still a lesson. The stretch marks on my stomach and shoulders at first were repulsive; but now I see them as a realization of my growth and my progress. I am no longer that small child who didn't know who he was. I am confident in who I am, and these are just signs of growth and maturity.
Sometimes the scars are more than just natural things on your body. Sometimes they are tattoos, piercings, or effects of surgery. I saw recently a series of pictures involving mastectomy and the tattoos women use to cover up. These tattoos are less about inking their bodies, and more a sign of their survival from cancer. Also, tattoos and piercings are just a sign of independence and identity.
The human body is a road map, never judge someone based on their body. Every mark shows were they have been and were they are going.
