Reflections on Trauma and Healing

It’s interesting how rarely we find true matches in our experiences. The unique moments in our lives often hold deeper meanings and questions, don’t you think? Let me share a recent example of mine. I was reading Bessel van der Kolk’s well-known book on trauma. You might have heard of it; it’s probably the most referenced work in mental health literature.

In an instant, years of trauma and heartache were lifted up like a mist evaporating under the warm sun.

For those who haven’t read the book, here’s a brief summary: trauma—stemming from violence, abuse, and tragic events—profoundly impacts our brains and bodies. This effect is particularly pronounced in children, as their developing minds are incredibly vulnerable. Trauma can create psychological fractures, leading us to interact with the world in distinct ways. This, in turn, can result in behavioral issues, physical health problems, and difficulties in relationships. Healing requires targeted treatment to address the underlying trauma, as medications merely manage symptoms.

As I navigated through the chapters, I found myself nodding along vigorously.

I feel a mix of frustration and anger at how the pharmaceutical industry exploits those suffering from trauma. They make billions, churning out ineffective medications that come with a laundry list of side effects. The system seems more concerned with profit than genuine healing. I often feel stuck in this cycle.

Every chapter of my book is marked with tears, recounting stories of men traumatized by war, children neglected by their parents, young girls exploited by family members, and boys abused by trusted figures. Yet, many individuals featured in the book overcame their past pain. With help from compassionate doctors and various therapies—like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, somatic therapy, and neurofeedback—they began to heal.

It’s a long, arduous process, requiring immense dedication and patience for someone who has faced trauma to reclaim a sense of normal life.

I’ve started to really appreciate these treatments that focus on root causes. I’m fascinated by how some people who once contemplated suicide rediscover joy and how children learn to trust again. I can’t help but think, “Why can’t all areas of healing adopt this approach?”

Personal Experience

On another note, my parents recently hosted a gathering for a missionary family they met. Annually, Nick, his wife Rachel, and their four children return from Brazil to share stories from their ministry dedicated to supporting abused women and girls. This year, I joined them. Next time, I’ll skip the mascara; by the time I got home, I was a mess from crying.

The stories were heart-wrenching. I was somewhat familiar with their mission, but hearing about young girls sold into prostitution by families desperate to survive hit hard.

But there was a surprising twist. Amid the pain, they shared a miraculous story of healing. After delivering a powerful message about faith, Nick and Rachel revealed an incredible case: a girl from their ministry who had been terrified of human interaction.

One day, during worship, she collapsed and then suddenly stood up, transformed. “He’s so beautiful,” she exclaimed after witnessing a moment of grace. Her healing was both physical and emotional, leading to a joyful life.

Many girls similarly transformed, shedding their painful pasts to embrace a hopeful future, became beloved members of a new family. Their fears lost grip on them.

Reflecting on these stories reminded me of the profound depth of healing I had just read about. The Brazilian girls didn’t undergo long treatments or repeated hospital visits. Instead, they encountered immediate spiritual intervention that catalyzed their recovery.

They weren’t just surviving; they were thriving, actively worshipping and praying for others. They lived transformed, expressed their love, and shared confidence, rooted in a deep sense of being cherished.

This is the power of Jesus. Do you believe it?

Arriving home that night, I came to a realization. Although I had faith in God’s power to heal, I didn’t truly believe He would do so. Too often, I relied on modern therapy as the primary solution.

God has always been a healer, and perhaps I had lost sight of that truth. He designed our complex systems and can restore a damaged mind in an instant.

He does this regularly—in Brazil, Nigeria, India, and even here.

But how many more miraculous healings could occur if we believed in the power of the gospel over clinical methods?

Though Nick and Rachel lack formal training in psychological fields, they have witnessed more people heal in their ministry than many therapists see in their entire careers.

This is the power of Jesus. Do you believe it?

I’m not dismissing the value of professional treatment. On the contrary, I genuinely appreciate how science informs healing strategies. For some wounded individuals, the right therapist may be their first introduction to kindness, paving the way for a future encounter with Jesus. Or maybe therapy makes life bearable again. Either way, I am thankful.

Many of my friends and family have benefited from treatment. I’ve seen instances where God heals terminal conditions through prayer, and others where healing unfolds slowly through medical intervention. While God may not choose to heal every affliction in this life, we can trust that He offers healing for wounded minds through various means.

As Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

God may choose therapy as a path to healing, but if His methods are as potent as His promises, shouldn’t we witness more miracles like those seen in Nick and Rachel’s work?

Contradiction in Insights

I recently dusted off “The Body Keeps the Score.” After hearing so much buzz, I had bought it but forgot until I was researching mental health issues. The stories of the Brazilian girls I encountered are incredibly resonant with the case studies in the book.

This isn’t a coincidence. There’s a divine hand at work, threading my experiences and insights into a larger narrative of healing that transcends human effort. Only His touch can heal a broken heart in moments when it feels shattered.

If all believers embraced this truth, imagine the miracles we could witness.

My heart burns with these thoughts.