This week while in Chicago, I met someone that both made me sad and moved me to prayer. While going through a drive-through to grab a quick bite, I noticed that the woman who handed me my food had a large and distinctive tattoo on her hand the burger through the window arm. Rather than ignore it, I asked to see it and asked if there was any significance to the design. Her response caught me off guard. She said, “This is my new husband’s name, and the other designs are to cover up the scars from my first husband.” Sure enough, when she held her arm still, I did notice some hidden damage underneath the tattoos.

Although I had to pull away and did not get to talk to her further (hungry people behind me), I did say a prayer for her. I found it sad that she had been hurt by someone who should have protected her.

However, my prayers did not settle only on her, I found in our very quick conversation a picture of so many and an analogy about what they do with their pain and discomfort. Typically they run to something to cover up their scars with something and write that name in a prominent and defining place. They might cover up the scars of abuse with illicit and empty relationships. They may write the name of a substance over the blemish of disappointment or insecurity. The marks left by abandonment might be covered by a destructive tendency.

These are the people that we need to be praying for; for these are the ones who Christ is pursuing. Those who have been hurt, whispered about, abused, taken advantage of, pushed in the corner and marginalized. Those who are causing themselves more pain trying to escape what is in their past. He wants to write His name on their hearts, not only covering up their scars, but healing them altogether.

My encounter with the nameless woman has impacted me. It has moved me to prayer. I hope it will move you as well.