In this life
we can always find someone who has suffered as we have, or who have experienced
far worse trauma than ours. These facts do not negate the pain that we are
experiencing, but it sometimes brings us comfort to know that we are not alone.
The deeper
issues we face is when these traumatic experiences disrupt our current feelings
of peace and safety. These memories block our intimacy with God, our self and
others.
We cannot
deny these events, or dismiss them as unimportant or make excuses for the
perpetrator of these crimes toward us. We must take them seriously in order to
heal and face the future with more optimism and less anxiety.
Praying
together with our spouse, best friend or counselor will expose these issues,
bring healing and save our current relationships from the negative effect of
our past experiences. We put our guard down and allow our self to be more
vulnerable in our current relationships.
God will
also use His Word to instruct us and heal us from the inside out. The Bible is
a two-edged sword that divides our soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12), and gives
our spirit a chance to mature without the hindrances of our wounded soul.
As we learn
to trust the Lord, we can open up our self to others; knowing we may be
mistreated or misunderstood, but being willing to be vulnerable in order to
enrich our life.
Opening up
the dialogue of honest communication with our ego states within us as well as between
us and our significant others will do much to improve our marriage, our
parental commitments and our fellowship with those in our church family and
community.
Prayer:
Father God,
we know that You allowed the wounds of our past to make us more compassionate
with others who experience similar issues. You comfort us through these events,
so that we can comfort others with the same liberation You give to us (2 Corinthians
1:4).
Open our
eyes, ears and heart so that we will be in tune with the people you bring our
way each day. Some of them may resent what they consider our interference or
nosiness when we show that we care, and when we tell them Your Gospel story; but
many will appreciate our concern and care for their well-being and some of them
will trust their life to You like we did.
Thought for
the Day:
When we fail
to honestly and humbly communicate our thoughts, feelings and needs with one
another, we hinder our intimacy, and our trust is weakened; however, when we do
share our true heart with one another, our relationships are much more open,
fulfilling and deeper.
