An example of God helping process trauma

Almost all of us have experienced trauma of one kind or another. And many of us may never get around to trying to find healing. If we do, thank God for the therapists who can help us. I’m married to one – she does trauma therapy. Working through trauma can change your life.

But if we want healing, how much more does God want to see his children healed? Over and over again, I’ve seen him work deeply to help us do the processing we need to do. One of his names is “Counselor.” (Is. 9:6-7)

What does that look like? Here’s an example from December, 2009.

Toya McClean had taken her team of women to put on a Beauty for Ashes retreat in Eswatini where they give women the opportunity to share their pain with one another.

They had visited people’s homes made of mud and sticks to begin the ministry. It had pushed some of the women on the team over the edge. Most of the day they kept saying, “This is too much. How much more of this will we see? How do you call this a home? Why doesn’t someone do something?”

They were emotionally exhausted and scheduled a time of ministry.

Women in Swazi culture are expected to hide their pain. They live for years not knowing if anyone understands what they’ve endured. It’s normal for them to experience mental and physical abuse. Husbands beat them. Some are kicked out of their homes and forsaken by their families. They live in shame and have to keep quiet.

Toya shared what happened as they facilitated the Beauty for Ashes ministry:

“We spent time with them sharing our testimonies and allowing them to share theirs. I asked the Swazi ladies to sing as we washed their feet and prayed. As we moved from woman to woman, the Swazi ladies sang and danced and praised the Lord. Most of my team was in tears.

We could feel the presence of God. Then, the most remarkable thing happen. Ashes began falling on us out of thin air! We didn’t know what to think or say. We were awestruck.”

That was the Lord – our wonderful counselor, our therapist.

He surprises us sometimes. When, in the midst of suffering, people worship him, he loves to show up in ways that bring healing. Cynics and agnostics are risking a lot in dismissing this personal and powerful God we serve. He is with us in our pain. He is real and he is active.