The Bible tells many stories of trauma and suffering, showing that trauma is a big part of the Christian faith. From the very beginning, the Bible talks about different kinds of trauma: Adam and Eve's separation from God (Genesis 3), Cain killing Abel (Genesis 4), child abuse (Genesis 19), and slavery (Genesis 37). It also mentions intimate partner violence (Genesis 16), famine (Genesis 47), natural disasters (Genesis 7), the loss of loved ones (Genesis 4), sexual assault (Genesis 34), and war (Genesis 14). Throughout the Old Testament, we see that trauma often happens because of the misuse of power. People in authority, like parents, rulers, or faith leaders, can cause great harm, such as persecution (Lamentations), torture (1 Kings 25), oppression (Judges), clergy sexual abuse (1 Samuel 2:22), and spiritual abuse (1 Samuel 2).

In the New Testament, we see more trauma: spiritual abuse (Matthew 23:13), torture (2 Corinthians 11:21-29), harassment and assault (John 8:3-11), political and religious oppression (Matthew 2:16-18), death (Acts 7:54-60), medical trauma (Luke 8:42-48), financial exploitation (Luke 20:47), executions (Mark 6:14-29), and racial bias (Acts 6). The apostles and other believers face persecution, imprisonment, torture, and even death. Jesus himself is crucified. This shows that trauma is not just a thing of the past but still affects people today. The church must recognize this and help those who are suffering.

Understanding the impact of trauma is essential for the church to be a place of healing. Trauma can have serious physical, emotional, and psychological effects, and it can also profoundly affect a person's spiritual life. The church is called to support those who have been abused, especially when the abuse comes from someone in a position of spiritual authority. Sadly, there have been times when the church has failed in this role, causing more harm and retraumatizing victims. This happens when the church prioritizes its image over the well-being of survivors, shows indifference, misuses power, or lacks understanding.

To be a genuinely supportive community, the church needs to be trauma-informed, which means recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and responding with empathy and support. A trauma-informed church creates a safe and welcoming environment where people feel valued and understood. The church should be a place of refuge and healing, where past wounds are acknowledged and cared for with compassion.

Trauma comes from events or circumstances that a person finds physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening. This means that something bad happens to someone, making them feel scared or hurt. Trauma can affect different parts of a person's life. It can change how they think and feel, hurt their body, make it hard to get along with others, and even make them feel lost or upset about their faith.

Faith communities, like churches, can help people who have gone through trauma. To do this, they need to understand what trauma is and how it affects people. They should learn about trauma and make their churches safe and supportive places. This way, hurting people can find comfort, healing, and hope in their faith community.

The Three E's of Trauma

1. Event: Trauma starts with specific occurrences.

2. Experience: Each person's experience of these events is unique.

3. Effects: Trauma has long-term impacts on a person's well-being.

By understanding these, the church can help reduce trauma's negative experiences and lasting effects.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines the "Four R's" for trauma-informed practices:

1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands paths for recovery.

2. Recognizes signs and symptoms in everyone involved.

3. Respond by integrating knowledge about trauma into practices.

4. Resist re-traumatization actively.

These "Four R's" lead to six fundamental principles for creating a trauma-informed environment:

1. Safety: Ensure physical, emotional, and spiritual safety by:

1. Creating a welcoming and secure environment in the church or community center.

2. Implementing clear, consistent policies that protect confidentiality.

3. Training staff and volunteers to recognize signs of distress and respond calmly and supportively.

4. Accepting the person's emotional state without adding shame.

5. Accommodating possible differences related to trauma, such as impaired executive functioning skills, difficulty trusting, rigidity, poor follow-through, and difficulty conveying a consistent narrative.

6. Adopting a non-judgmental stance when talking with survivors of abuse, assault, or other trauma.

7. Allowing space for struggles and doubts, whether regarding personal experiences, actions of leaders, or difficult passages of Scripture.

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Build trust by:

1. Communicating openly about what can and cannot be kept confidential.

2. Clearly outlining what individuals can expect from the support services offered.

3. Following through on promises and commitments to build credibility and trust.

3. Peer Support: Promote recovery through:

1. Establishing support groups where trauma survivors can share experiences and coping strategies.

2. Encouraging mentorship programs pairing experienced survivors with those newly seeking support.

3. Providing opportunities for peer-led activities and discussions.

4. Collaboration and Mutuality: Emphasize partnership and shared decision-making by:

1. Involving trauma survivors in the planning and implementation of programs.

2. Encouraging collaborative goal-setting between support providers and individuals.

3. Fostering a team approach where everyone's input is valued and respected.

5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Empower individuals by:

1. Offering choices in the types of support and services available.

2. Encouraging individuals to express their needs and preferences.

3. Supporting self-advocacy and personal decision-making.

6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Recognize and address factors impacting trauma and healing by:

1. Providing culturally sensitive and relevant services.

2. Addressing historical trauma and its impact on individuals and communities.

3. Ensuring services are gender-responsive and inclusive of all gender identities and expressions.

The world during the time of Christ was full of trauma. There were wars, oppression, sexual violence, child abuse, clergy abuse, spiritual abuse, and more, which left deep scars on many people and communities. In this world of suffering, Jesus brought an unquenchable hope. He said his purpose was to create a way to God, heal those who suffered, and fight for justice for the oppressed. Jesus' focus hasn't changed, and he calls the church to reflect his heart, to be a positive influence in a troubled world, and to be a source of hope and healing. If Jesus calls the church to this mission, we have to follow. The church can fulfill this calling by living out these principles from Scripture daily, showing who we are in Christ. By following these principles, the church can become a place of healing, embodying Christ's love and compassion, and offering hope and restoration to the hurting.

We have another mindfulness today to help heal from trauma. Listen Here.