Mental Health Awareness Month: Truth & Trauma
by George Moore
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, we should also understand how trauma can impact our faith. My hope is that the following words will encourage those who are in a hard season of healing due to the effects of trauma. This blog will:
- Provide a definition of what trauma is.
- Examine what God requires from His people as we care for those who are suffering.
- Be reminded of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who identifies with our suffering.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as "an emotional response to a [stressful] event like an accident, rape, [abuse, neglect,] or natural disaster."[1] It can also be seen as "a wound to the heart and mind."[2] These wounds can be a stumbling block to our relationship with God and how we view Him. They can make us question His care and His love, and even impact our decision regarding whether we choose to embrace His love at all.
As we face this reality, the Scriptures can encourage and show us how we are to love one another in the midst of life's pain. One story that stands out is the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. In this story, Jesus explains to one of Israel's religious leaders what it truly means to love your neighbor. As we read this passage, we see that a man was assaulted, robbed, and left on the road on his way to Jericho. Two religious leaders, a Levite and a priest, saw the man but passed by him without offering aid. The third person, a Samaritan (whose ethnicity was despised by Jews), was the only one who took time to help the man (10:33-34). The Samaritan "went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him."
The word Jesus uses to describe the man's wounds is the Greek word traumata, similar to our English word "trauma." It means "to wound"[4] and in various places of the New Testament,[5] whenever this word appears, it's used within the context of being "intentionally" wounded by another person. After witnessing the man's circumstance, the Samaritan tended to his wounds (his traumata) and cared for his needs. He cleaned his wounds, made sure he had food and water, and most importantly, made sure the man was safe (10:32-35).
I can't help but think about the local church and our call to serve the hurting and broken. As our nation wrestles with the collective trauma[6] we've suffered due to a pandemic, gun violence, police brutality, etc., the church must continue to help the hurting and vulnerable feel safe in our presence. This safety I propose is not solely physical safety but also involves emotional and relational safety. Just as the Scriptures declare God to be a refuge for His people,[7] the church is tasked with being a refuge for the marginalized and hurting.
Lastly, as we love those who have endured traumatic experiences, the Scriptures speak to the power of the Gospel. In fact, within the story of the Gospel, we can see that Jesus Himself identifies with our pain. Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we learn that we serve a God who chose to enter human history as Immanuel, God with us.[8] The book of Hebrews tells us all the ways in which Jesus, God in the flesh,[9] identifies with humanity:
Hebrews 4:15
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”
Hebrews 5:7-9
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…”
Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer. We serve a God that loves His creation so much that He chose to save us from sin and understand what we experience in life. I believe this is what sets Christianity apart from any other religion in the history of civilization. We don’t have a faith that declares devotion to a distant deity, but we worship our Heavenly Father who is near to us.[10] That means that as we grieve, as one sees a counselor, or go to that support group, we have a God and Savior who is able to walk with us every step of the way.
This month, let us remember the God who draws near to the brokenhearted. Let us remember the God who gives peace to the troubled spirit and mind. And may the Church, Christ’s bride, provide spaces of shalom and safety for those wrestling with the effects of trauma.
Notes:
“Trauma Healing Basics.” Trauma Healing Institute. https://www.traumahealingbasics.org/
John Drane. (Introducing the New Testament, 3rd Edition. Minnesota: Minneapolis, Fortress Press), pg. 110-111.
Luke 20:12; Acts 19:16
Collective trauma is the “impact of a traumatic experience that affects and involves entire groups of people, communities, or societies.” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifting-the-veil-trauma/202005/what-is-collective-trauma
Psalms 62:8
Matthew 1:23
John 1:1, 14, 14:9; Colossians 1:15-19
Deuteronomy 4:7