Warriors-For-God.org
“For every soldier who serves in a war zone abroad, there are ten children who are endangered in their own homes.” – Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk
My final spring semester started today for graduate school and the course Crisis Counseling has my attention and focus as I dive into understanding trauma and the impact on individuals. I can’t help but reflect on my own trauma as I read through the pages of the text, realizing that I am part of the statistics, but questioning how my experiences can help others heal from their own crises.
1:5 Americans are sexually molested as a child; 1:4 are beaten by a parent; 1:3 couples engage in physical violence; 1:4 grew up with alcoholic relatives; and 1:8 witnessed their mother being beaten. Consider these numbers along with the cases that have never been reported. Think about the people who experience these traumas and never receive help or counseling. These situations leave individuals feeling shame, numbness, anger, humiliation, etc. At the same time, these individuals may miss out on intimacy, joy, or even healthy immune systems.
I say all this to bring awareness to the situation and ask for your mercy and grace as you encounter people each day. You never know what people are facing, what they have gone through, or how lost they are in the life they live. Trauma physically changes their brains and debilitates them from actually seeking help when they need it. Sometimes, it takes a kind and gentle person to come alongside them, hold their hand, and be with them in the pain. Most of the time, they simply need a listening ear.
My plan for this semester is to share what I learn or what I think would help others. Often times, the awareness alone can cause people to seek help or even to help another person. Today, be aware that trauma actually changes the physiology of the brain, intimate relationships, ways of communicating, behaviors, and steals the joy from people. Trauma is not something to “get over” or turn off like a switch.
Christ is called the “Wonderful Counselor” and can be a source of healing for any who follow Him. Think about the trauma He experienced as those who once loved Him turned their backs on Him, accused Him of lies, and tortured Him to death. In James 1 we are called to find joy in the trials we experience. Essentially, those trials make us stronger as we turn toward God for healing and strength. Taking those trials and helping others who experience similar pain is also our calling. That task also involves courage and humility.
Ginger Turner is the Founder and Director of Warriors for God Ministry. She has a Master’s Degree from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy, is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach, and a Christian Life Coach. Ginger recently released her first book, Warrior Through Grace, about the childhood trauma and life experiences that led her to becoming a Warrior for God. Ginger, her husband, and three children reside in the Hill Country of Texas where she teaches and counsels couples, young children, and teenagers. Her focus is on enriching marriages and families, suicide awareness, and coaching the community on Whole Body Wellness. Ginger loves the Lord and lives every day for Him, serving Him in whatever capacity He sets on her path.
So true, I have learned to trust God, and walk my on lane as I am dealing with a love one who is struggling with alcoholism. I have learned to trust him, we me stepping back and giving him control of the alcoholic and me continuing to care and love her as she and God deals with a disease that I can’t cure.