I Refuse to Dwell in Hurt

Have you ever been intrigued by the names of towns that you hear about on the news or even encounter while traveling? There are some names that always evoke an emotional reaction for me, such as Roosevelt and Camden, NJ, Buffalo, NY, and the small communities of Salemburg and Bonnettsville, NC. 

If I visited any of these places today, I would be forced to create new memories because these places are not the same as they were decades ago. Although the memories that I have of these places are positive; the people who dwelled there were responsible for creating these fond memories for me and other members of my family. It was their connection to their home that made my visits fond and memorable. 

Once while traveling in Virginia, I passed a road sign that intrigued me and made me wonder about the people who dwelled there. 

The sign was an exit for Hurt, Virginia. As I looked at the sign, I thought: 

“What kind of people live in Hurt?”
“What kind of memories are made in Hurt?”
“Why would anyone want to dwell in Hurt?”

I am not slighting any of the residents that call Hurt home, but I am determined that I will not be a person who dwells there. 

Hurt is not simply a small town in southern Virginia, but it is also a source or cause of pain. 

How many people have chosen to dwell in Hurt because of life’s circumstances and disappointments? 

How many people have experienced hurt and instead of accepting the proper healing, they have chosen to make Hurt their home? 

If you are a resident of Hurt, or you find yourself visiting Hurt regularly, let me share with you the nuggets that I received as questions continued to occupy my mind.

Get Back on the Main Road

Just as there was an exit into Hurt, there is a way out of Hurt. There will always be disappointments in life; however, hurt must never define us. 

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] –  John 16:33 AMP

Release Hurt to the Healer

Some have decided to dwell in Hurt because they are not only the victims but they are the perpetrators of Hurt as well. Although it has been said that hurting people hurt people (and that is true) never allow the hurt, pain, and misery that you feel to cause you to find joy in bringing hurt to others. Take the time to evaluate the pain. Understand that the pain that you are experiencing today is promised to be a blessing in your life tomorrow. 

“I have seen his [willful] ways, but I will heal him. ..[make his lips blossom anew with speech in thankful praise].” Isaiah 57:18-19 AMP

Keep Moving

When I saw the exit sign for Hurt, I could have ventured in that direction or continued to move toward my destination. Hurt will cause us to get off course, but if we decide that we will use the hurt as an opportunity to grow, we will be more effective in our assignments. 

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 AMP 

As I continued driving, I realized something so significant. Not only do I not dwell in hurt, but the closer I moved toward my destination the further I moved from Hurt.