Someone sits in the pew next to you with some physical injury.

The source of pain is obvious, this stirs compassion, curiosity and the inevitable questions …what happened to you?  do you need any help?

The person begins to tell their story, there is a mutual connection, empathy, a smile, a satisfaction that comes from being heard. Healing is happening.

 

But what if…

there is no bandage, no visible scar, what if the brokenness, the woundedness is not so apparent.

What if the person next to us is defensive, maybe controlling, somewhat withdrawn, appears anxious, signs of possible substance abuse, some evidence of misbehavior, misstep…

So do we move closer to engage or do we avoid and keep it moving?

Do we presume the need for correction, more study or prayer, advise them to take it to the Lord, believe God, let go and let God…..

 

What happened to you?

 

The Wounded Heart - Trauma

• When someone’s ability to cope has been overwhelmed (trauma) by intense fear, helplessness, horror, loss, there is often a deep wound of the heart, the mind, the soul. 

• One’s fundamental sense of trust, safety or attachment has been damaged; aspects of voice, feelings, self…have been silenced.

• The source of this heart wound can be experiencing or witnessing physical, mental/emotional abuse, it can be a result of neglect, absence of a parent, violence, racism, disasters, etc.

• If this heart wound happened in childhood years, some become adults with no lasting effects while others experience the ongoing effects, triggers, of these unhealed wounds.

• People suffering from these effects are in our communities, schools, workplaces, families and churches.

 

Understanding the Heart Wound – Trauma Informed

• To understand that many people have a history of trauma or ongoing trauma (ability to cope is overwhelmed), known or unknown to the individual

• To have a basic understanding of the symptoms of trauma and understand the relationship between the effects of past traumatic experiences and the present

 

Healing the Heart Wound – Trauma Informed Ministry

The Body of Christ moving toward healing so as to -

• understand that trauma effects the integrated parts of the person - spirit, soul, emotions, mind, body - and thereby effects the individuals’ experiential relationship with God, self and others

• be willing to rethink, re-evaluate church practices to cultivate awareness of the effects of these heart wounds

• impact the woundedness of the person with the love and healing power of God through Christ and the Scripture.

• be humbly aware of our own woundedness and intentionally cultivating a culture of authenticity, love, grace and truth through self-confrontation, personal transformation and mutual confession.