Trauma-Informed Faith

Trauma-Informed Faith: As I learn more about the impact of trauma on my life, I am also learning about how it has affected my faith. 

1. Trauma, grief, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. can disrupt our ability to cope and lead us into making decisions that work against the wisdom of our faith. It's maladaptive coping. You and I are worthy of forgiveness and can learn from our mistakes. I have stopped being so hard on myself. 
2. Judgment is for the birds. I've judged myself harshly. The shame that comes from self-judgment doesn't motivate change, it stops it. The judgment that comes from others, or their perception of you is none of your business, especially when they haven't lived your life. I am reminded of the need to judge my intentions & actions in the light of God’s grace, not religious fundamentalistic sentimentality. I am free from that tyrant. 
3. My faith is important to me, it is central to my identity. When I encountered major trauma, I questioned what I believed, only for a short time. In that time though, I made regretful decisions that were trauma-based, not faith-informed. My faith is helping me find healing as I work through intensely painful memories of my late wife's drowning. 
4. I've become empathic because I have shared in the experience of trauma. After experiencing intense anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, I have gained more insight on how to respond pastorally to those who have experienced trauma. 
5. In this journey, I am becoming more grace-oriented than rule-driven. I'm not compromising on the non-negotiables of my faith, I am just seeing my beliefs and people in a new light, the light of unconditional love. 

I hope these thoughts inspire you. -JE 

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