Pilgrim Pathway

I can’t think of anything more alarming than a paper cut.  Of course, like many other painful experiences, there are different types of paper cuts.  By that, I mean different surfaces or types of paper, inflicting different types of cuts and pain.

I wonder how this might apply to our soul?  What does it mean to get a paper cut to the soul?  One thing, it’s sudden and unexpected.  We might think of this when we get an unexpected diagnosis.  Even if we’re going to a doctor because something is quite right, we’ve practiced what it could potentially be while avoiding the most severe and earth shattering of diagnoses.

Like a paper cut, the swiftness of hearing those words, “I’m sorry to tell you but…” is a punch to the gut.  It leaves us wondering what just happened, did I hear the medical provider clearly, and probably a bit of dissociation to numb ourselves from the shock.  Some like to refer to the experience like ripping a band-aid off in one felt swoop.  I don’t think it’s adequately shocking.  The paper cut, with its speed and sharpness has a much larger impact.

The interesting thing about paper cuts is many times they don’t bleed.  We can see the slice made by the paper, but it more about the pain than the blood.  We know it happened, but unless we look closely, we may not see the cut.  This is how it’s like getting a paper cut to the soul.  

How or when have you experienced a paper cut to the soul?  What has it woken you up to?  

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