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Trauma in the Easter Story

4/7/2023

During the Lent and Easter seasons, we relive the traumatic events surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection. At the same time, we also may experience trauma. Comparing the two provides a wonderful opportunity for us to find victory over trauma.

The Easter story reminds us that dramatic transformation from fear and despair to courage, hope and peace is possible! The disciples that left Jesus and fled (Matthew 26:56b) and lived behind locked doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19) became the men that astonished people with their boldness, lack of fear of the Jewish rulers and defied the orders not to teach or speak the name of Jesus.

Then all the disciples left him and fled. (Matthew 26:56b)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, John 20:19
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13-21

As you read and reflect on the Easter story, ask yourself why being with Jesus resulted in such a dramatic transformation. The answer is important because you can experience the same transformation!

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A Teenager's Unique Needs

4/7/2023

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Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

There are times when teenagers need to be with people their own age. Teenagers may need some privacy or time with their peers, especially after a traumatic event. Of course, like our own friends, friends must be chosen wisely. But often a good trusted friend or relative of similar age can provide help that an adult can’t because they have a similar perspective on life.

When they request time and place, do what you can to give it to them. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns and perspective but do not feel threatened or feel that you are a failure because they do not want to talk only with you. Sometimes, only a peer can help.

However, invite them to also share how their peers are feeling and let them know you are interested in providing whatever support you can.

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Needs of Teenagers

4/7/2023

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A lot of the ideas about children can be applied to teenagers. Routine is also important for teenagers but may be more challenging to achieve. However, they will respond to a valid need. Teenagers need to feel useful, especially when their family is going through difficulties. Doing things that help their family survive can remind them that they are valuable. Look around for things that they can do. Is there anything that you are doing that they could do? Is there something that they could do to help someone else? They may not be able to do it as well as you can but if they can do it well enough to be useful, let them do it.

In times of trauma and chaos, there are many with needs. Meeting the needs of others often helps one to be thankful for what they have. Meeting the needs of others can help build maturity and confidence and give a sense of worth. Don’t forget to thank and praise teenagers when they help. As we have mentioned before, each accomplishment counters a sense of loss.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

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Learning about creativity from David

4/5/2023

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We have talked a lot about the importance of play and creative output for children.

Today I would like to share an example from the life of David about using creativity in dealing with trauma. David experienced a lot of trauma in his life. In the Psalms, we see how David deals with trauma. One example is found in Psalm 69: 1-3.
Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.
I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.

The description of trauma continues till verse twenty-nine when a dramatic shift occurs.
But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high!
I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify him with thanksgiving. . .you who seek God, let your hearts revive . . . For the LORD hears the needy Psalms 69:29, 30, 32b, 33a

The writing of the psalm created enough distance from the trauma to allow David to express his pain and then see God’s salvation. Then a song of thanksgiving was used to magnify (enlarge) the knowledge of God’s character and power to save and revive. Children and adults can experience a similar journey from “I sink in deep mire” to “LORD hears the needy” when they use creative output to pour out their concerns to God.

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More About Art and Creative Output for Children

4/4/2023

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Creative output such as drawing, singing, songwriting, colouring, painting, writing or building can create a safe distance from traumatic memories. Studies from Drexel University suggest that the simple act of art-making, regardless of skill level, reduces cortisol (or stress levels) in the brain. The child is then less vulnerable and has some level of control when reliving memories. The purpose of creative output is for the child to express how they’re feeling at that moment.

The way children process trauma is often extremely fragmented; they can’t make sense of everything that is happening. Creative expression allows children to access what they can’t see or say. It’s like a back door to healing. It creates a safer environment to express thoughts and emotions. Creative output can open the door for conversations that will help them make sense of what is happening.

Very often, creative output brings praise from others and children learn that taking risks in creative output may result in emotions they can share with pride. Having creative output to symbolize their emotional process is a motivator to take more risks.

If you think this artistic technique is helping your child work through a traumatic past, keep doing it! They can continue drawing, writing and creating every day, for as long as it’s useful. Your child may not only overcome their trauma, but they may even develop a great love for creative expression that lasts a lifetime.

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

Trauma in the Easter Story

A Teenager's Unique Needs

Needs of Teenagers

Learning about creativity from David

More About Art and Creative Output for Children

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