Trauma Aware: 7 Days to More Biblical and Empathic Care预览

Day 1: What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a term that comes from a Greek word (τραῦμᾰ) that literally means “wound.” This is a good description of what trauma is: a wound. A deep wound.

The word trauma and various forms of the word (traumatic or traumatized) are, at times, tossed out flippantly in conversation to overstate the impact of certain relatively minor events. People will say they were traumatized when they receive a bad haircut, were asked to introduce themselves in front of a large group, or when they lost or misplaced a sentimental object. While everyone’s experiences are unique, and what may seem insignificant to one person may be more significant to another, these circumstances, though upsetting, embarrassing, or frustrating, are likely not going to cause lasting emotional distress.

Professor Preston Hill, influenced by psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, describes trauma in a concise yet accurate way when he says trauma is an “inescapable stressful event that overwhelms someone’s coping mechanisms.”* The simplicity of the definition captures it well. Trauma overwhelms us and leaves us unable to cope.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), however, offers a more robust definition, which can also be very helpful in understanding trauma. This one will better serve you in understanding what is meant when the word trauma is used in this YouVersion plan. They define trauma as resulting “from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being”** (emphasis added).

Judith Herman, in her book Trauma and Recovery, goes further in explaining the impact of trauma on a person. She states,

Traumatic events called into question basic human relationships. They breach the attachments of family, friendship, love, and community. They shatter the construction of the self that is formed and sustained in relation to others. They undermine the belief systems that give meaning to human experience. They violate the victim’s faith in a natural or divine order and cast the victim into a state of existential crisis.***

As you read that description, can you see how what she is describing could mean that even a steady Christian might question things they firmly believe when trauma hits? Trauma can cast deeply held beliefs into the shadows of doubt.

When trauma becomes a part of our story, the impact can be so confusing and dismantling that it calls into question everything that was once held true. Even someone who loves and follows God can be deeply affected by traumatic events. Rather than permanently shaping our life in a negative way, this disruption can prompt the courageous confrontation of uncertainty, which can aid in discovering hope and resilience in the face of a shattered life.

For Christians desiring to help those who have experienced trauma, the impact of distressing events or circumstances needs to be understood with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering support. At times we struggle to care for people because we aren’t sure how to recognize trauma. Other times we might see that trauma is the root of a person’s suffering, but we don’t know where to go from there. What should care look like? What role does God’s Word play? How can we be more aware of what is needed and helpful as believers when supporting others? If you have asked any of these questions, you are not alone. The Bible offers a clear picture of God’s tender care for the wounded:

“You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14 NIV).

God is a refuge and a source of protection for his children. He knows and keeps every one of their tears. They matter to him—they are never lost.

While this YouVersion plan will only be scratching the surface in navigating the important intersection of faith and trauma care, my purpose is to foster a greater understanding of trauma, provide practical insights anchored in God’s Word, and guide you toward becoming more trauma-aware helpers, pastors, counselors, mentors, and friends.

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* “Psych for Theology & Ministry: Preston Hill,” Blueprint 1543, https://open.spotify.com/episode/35A94F4U0ceEcZp5pZ13PZ?si=MeKBCpQrRv6uzvk4Hk7M_Q at the 12:24 mark.

**“Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services,” SAMHSA, March 2014. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4816.pdf.

*** Judith L. Herman, Trauma and Recovery (New York: Basic Books, 2015), 51.