“Seated Nude” by Amadeo Modigliani (1909), Source wikipaintings.org (PD – 100)
WARNING: Graphic Images
This skin suit that surrounds me, more wrinkled now than any “lawyer suit” I ever owned, is no longer smooth, no longer supple. It is marred by scars and stretch marks, like the tributaries of some ancient river; has been visited by varicosities, by callouses, hives, rashes, and eruptions too often to count.
But once this skin knew the joy of raindrops. Once it knew the fever that passion evokes.
This skin suit that envelopes me has been bruised, pierced, incised, and sutured; has been burned by the sun to a poison apple red.
This skin has been stroked and patted, been tenderly groomed, oh so tenderly violated, again and again and again and again – each cell silently screaming in protest, recoiling in horror.
This skin suit of mine has served as a witness to all the best and worst aspects of my life, to the weakness and the strength, the failures and the triumphs; has lain prostrate with pain, overcome by grief, yet risen to see the glory of a new dawn, and lived to praise God for His deliverance.
“And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God…” (Job 19: 26).
With special thanks to Marie Williams and Sandy Meckler for their encouragement and friendship
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
A wonderful reminder of the incredible durability of skin, of humankind in general, and you in particular Anna. Thanks for sharing.
Now that’s what I call a compliment! Thank you so much.
Oh what a story we could tell if we all reflected on our skin suit. Very touching, honest and beautiful Anna!
Thanks, Chevvy! I had reservations about going public w/ the post.
Yes, I understand how we can hesitate sometimes but your instinct normally shows you the way. It’s an interesting perspective or lens to look through for all of us. Thank you for deciding to post it.😀
How many of us really, truly value and appreciate the ‘house’ in which our spirit abides for our time here on earth? This ‘skin suit’: faithful, durable, giving, forgiving, accommodating, encouraging, keeper of our secrets and our truths? This is one person’s tribute to a part of her which has faithfully remained with her during times of joy and times of tragedy, which has sacrificed its own needs in order to allow her to live her fullest, most authentic life and joins with her in praising the Life-Giver, our faithful Lord who not unlike her skin-suit has been her rock, and faithful companion.
Thank you Anna for sharing your story and allowing your skin-suit to be the platform on which to bear testimony “to praise God for His deliverance”.
Thanks also for the mention: it was a pleasure to contribute in some small way dear friend.
Your encouragement is never a small thing, Sam. ❤ As for your lavish praise, I will accept it in a spirit of humility totally out of character for lawyers. :)))
I knew that one day, this would happen. Praise the Lord! ❤ :))))
Ahem. Maybe I should have said in a spirit of humility for which lawyers are widely known. :))) ❤
What a masterpiece of words, Anna. Our bodies are changing for sure but I think there’s a different kind of beauty as we age. I’m positive you’re beautiful because you’re created in His image, as are we all.
Thank you for your kind words, Levi. ❤
Wonderful post. I really appreciate your willingness to be so open.
There are so many memories attached to this suit of mine. Some good, some not so good.
Many lessons learned in this suit.
Thank you so much, Lady G. I was worried about how the post might be received. But it certainly reflects my reality. ❤
I am in awe….your words are powerful beyond measure….reflective of the beauty of your soul….thank you… ❤
You are far too generous. But thank you. I’m glad you liked the post. ❤
It’s not generosity that moves me, it is your incredible heart and giftedness 🙂
Well, now you’ve left me speechless…which is a hard thing to do w/ lawyers (LOL). May God make me worthy of your high opinion.
Hahahaha…..too cute….God created us all to be masterpieces and there are those who rise to the challenge in the face of the human condition….you cannot fail!
Anna, as always, I am in awe of your wisdom as well as amazingly gorgeous writing
You are so sweet! ❤
But it is true. And with Marie, you are the titans of profound subjects raised with incredible flourish.
What a fabulous compliment! I will try hard to live up to it. Marie does it effortlessly. 🙂