Healing the Wounds

Sorry for the delay.  Life got hectic for a bit.  I must say I'm encouraged to realize the human race is not getting worse, we're just not really getting better.  We keep doing the same things, good and bad, over and over again just differently.



Something I put on my facebook page during the recent Sandy Hook shootings, "As painful as it is, we must focus on the victims not the perpetrator. Please look at these faces, pray for peace and healing for their families but even more, pray that you be able to invite God into your every decision, every word, every action you take. Only by committing ourselves to this will we make a difference where we are. There will always be terrible acts committed by people, but only by those who cannot and will not bring Godliness into their every action, every word, every thought, every move. It's your choice, by God's grace."

We also need to heal whatever wounds we may have suffered as secondary victims of these heinous acts.  As I've said before, find a mature, trusted, professional such as a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, mental health counselor, psychologist and share your feelings, fears, anger or whatever you are struggling with.  In fact, in you're still having flashes or intrusive thoughts of any of these past shootings you will need to work with a professional therapist to help you heal.  The person/s you speak with will only be helpful if they are non-judgmental and do not force you to work through this faster than you feel you are ready.  However, do not put off getting professional help.  If you are struggling with PTSD (which is possible) you will not heal without professional help.  Your brain chemistry has been altered and will not go back on its own.  Also, if this is the case for you, be sure to slow down but don't stop everything.  Physical exercise, music, worship, faith expressions, and talking with someone nonjudgmental are all activities that will help you.  There are also certain anxiety medications that can help your brain recover.  

People in other countries are very familiar with this type of terror, but Americans are not.  Also, struggling from these events emotionally is NOT a sign of weakness or lack of faith.  Rather, struggling is a normal reaction to an abnormal experience.  You are not crazy.  You are loved and there are people who can help you feel safe again.

May you know God's blessings through all things.