Trauma Can Be Transformative

 

Trauma - it catches you by surprise, in bizarre fashion with unexpected costs. Trauma often sounds like a recipe for disaster, but it doesn't have to be. There's nothing you can do to prevent trauma; accidents happen, things go wrong, elbows are slammed into faces, and no plan of yours could have prevented this.

Yes, an elbow was slammed into my husband's face while playing a pickup game of soccer. Sometimes to stay fit, these things happen. I've had sufficient casualties as a runner, so I can empathize.

But what was this guy's elbow made of? He did some serious damage to my husband's mouth. I could have panicked, and I almost did, but we prayed together about the situation after assessing our options.

A very heartfelt prayer was uttered, something along the lines of..."Why Lord, but You know, show us what to do, provide comfort, healing, and wisdom. Thank you, Lord. Amen"

It seems like we're all in a cycle of trauma right now. We're dealing with the pandemic trauma while dealing with the longstanding trauma of social injustice in many forms, all during an election year. 

A traumatic event is defined as a series of events that cause a lot of stress marked by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death. We are living through simultaneous traumatic events collectively. We're living through group trauma, so in a sense, we're not going through it alone, but our individual impacts are different. 

Here's a simple reminder - trauma is difficult, but God is stronger than any trauma. The initial onslaught may threaten to overtake us, but then we remember that our help comes from God (Psalms 121). As we go through our trauma, our first instinct may be to remove or solve our situations, but again we remember to turn to Him first - the Rock that is higher than us (Psalms 61). Our emotions are intense when we experience trauma, and as we attempt to recover. When we can't utter the words, He intercedes for us (Romans 8:26,27). Again we pray for peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). And as we heal and our perspectives are changed, we know that He walks with us through the valley of death (Psalms 23), so we have nothing to fear. 

Initially, we were frantic. How would we pay for this? Would this injury be covered by insurance? Well, after we prayed, we became more methodical, calm, and assured in our approach. The initial dentist wanted 10K with a payment plan. Eventually, our dentist was able to perform the procedure at minimal cost with coverage through our insurance. 

Prayer frames your mind to see the Godly possibilities in any situation. Even in trauma. Especially now because trauma can be transformative.

I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah. (Psalms 61:2-4 CSB)

How were you transformed by trauma? Were you changed for the better? Were you initially angry? Did you eventually recover or are you still dealing with residual effects of your trauma?

 

--Nylse 

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The Comfort of Night by Nylse Esahc is on its way. This book was written with you in mind.

Nylse is a Christian wife and a mother of four who loves life and inspiring others. She likes to have fun but is very clear on who she is and Whose she is. A prolific thinker, she blogs to encourage others from a Christian perspective at www.lifenotesencouragement.com. She can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.