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Christ's Example with Children

2/24/2023

As a follow-up to the previous insight, I am sharing the well-known bible story.
Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples scolded the people. When Jesus noticed this, he was angry and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13–16

In this Bible story, Jesus shows how much he values children. He shows us that they deserve special care and attention. The disciples in this story were so caught up with ‘adult matters’ that they did not see the needs of children as important. But Christ took time from ‘adult matters’ to bless the children. Children were of equal importance to him and should be to us as well. As adults we too can bless children by holding them, praying over them, singing over them, and telling them stories of hope of God’s protection and help.

You can play a major role in their healing process by spending time with them. Talking face to face—free from TV, phones, video games, and other distractions. Do your best to create an environment where children feel safe to communicate what they're feeling and to ask questions.

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Helping Children

2/24/2023

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Children are affected by trauma as much as adults are, but they may show it differently. They may go back to behaviours they grew out of long ago, like bed-wetting or thumb-sucking. They may be fearful and clingy.

Caregivers may misunderstand children’s needs after a disaster. They may think that children will bounce back without help. It is easy to see some strange behaviour as disobedience. As a result, they may think children need to be disciplined more or they may punish them out of frustration. Such responses make things worse.

Caregivers can feel overwhelmed. They can feel helpless. But maybe all children need is to be comforted, reassured and listened to. Caregivers may feel limited because of their own trauma. But they can give time and love. Love, compassion and time are powerful. This is the message of 1 John 4:12
. . . if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Even if we have only a small amount of love and compassion to give because of our own trauma, God will perfect it in us. The Greek word for ‘perfect’ means to ‘add what is missing to make it complete; to bring to the desired end.’ Give whatever you can in love and God will do his miraculous part.

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Being More Emotional is a Normal Reaction

2/17/2023

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After a disaster, you may be more emotional than usual or act in ways that are simply not like you. And with all this going on inside, you may find it difficult to concentrate. You are not going crazy. These are normal reactions to trauma. Don’t forget that your body is attempting to process and cope with the event. Remember that your reaction is part of God’s warning system that has been triggered telling you to seek safety and help.

Tears are part of how God has designed your body (physically, emotionally and spiritually) to help you heal! Go ahead and cry! It is worth repeating what we have already said. Don’t feel guilt or shame. You should not feel shame because God is not ashamed of you.

Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. Psalm 25:20

However, if your reactions are so strong that they keep you from carrying out your responsibilities, find someone who can help you. Talk to a friend, a pastor, a counsellor, or a doctor. Seek help if you can’t carry out essential everyday responsibilities.

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Dealing with the Third Common Reaction to Trauma - FULL ALERT

2/14/2023

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The third common reaction to trauma is being on full alert all the time. Because you are aware of how suddenly bad things can happen, you may be on full alert. You may continually feel tense and overreact to things. At times, your heart may beat very fast. You may have trouble sleeping. You may be startled by loud noises.

If you are on alert all the time, you will wear out your body. You may have physical effects like stomachaches, headaches, or other illnesses.
Here are some things you can do when you feel a wave of panic washing over you.

Count your breaths or focus on objects around you that are not connected with your fears, such as floor tiles or the branches of a tree. Count items or describe what you see. This can help you stay present and calm.
Try to concentrate on something peaceful and slow your breathing
Repeat a bible verse with a promise or a verse that reminds you of who God is
Listen to calming music
Listen to songs that provide hope and help your body and mind from being on full alert.
Sing a song of hope. Sing out loud. Sing with others where ever and whenever possible.

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Dealing With the Second of Three Common Reactions to Trauma

2/11/2023

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The second common reaction to trauma is to avoid things that remind you of the event. These may be places, smells, people, media, or topics of conversation. This may seem like a good idea but it can also make your world very small. To avoid feeling painful emotions, you may stop feeling at all and become numb inside. Or you may use drugs or alcohol, or work all the time, or eat too much or too little. The writer of this psalm wanted to avoid his terrifying emotions: he wished could fly away like a dove and wander far into the wilderness.
I am terrified, and the terrors of death crush me.
I am gripped by fear and trembling; I am overcome with horror.
I wish I had wings like a dove. I would fly away and find rest.
yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah Psalm 55:4–7

Be careful of trying to escape completely. It will not bring healing. What did the Psalmist do? His solution was to talk to God.
But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:16-17

You can do the same. He has promised to hear you. You may feel numb because you have been trying to avoid all help. So start small. Ask God for the strength to confront one important thing that you have been avoiding. Only one! Repeat the request. Share this desire with others. Ask them to pray for you. More activities that will help you manage your emotions are coming but you can start with this small step. Even the longest journey begins with one small step.

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

Christ's Example with Children

Helping Children

Being More Emotional is a Normal Reaction

Dealing with the Third Common Reaction to Trauma - FULL ALERT

Dealing With the Second of Three Common Reactions to Trauma

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