Dealing with the guilt of being a survivor

​​You may feel guilty that you survived the disaster while others did not, or that you suffered less than others. This is a common response. However, you must understand that what happened to you was not your decision. God has a purpose for the remainder of the days given to you, and he cares for you. Whatever your level of trauma, it is your pain and it hurts.

Don’t compare your experience with the experience of others. You may have gone through the same experience as others, and yet your reactions may be quite different. Personality, resources, relationships, finances, past experiences, and other factors all affect how we respond. Even if others were affected more by the disaster than you were, don’t try to convince yourself that your pain doesn’t matter. It matters and you must take action as described in these insights.

As well, don’t be surprised if you react differently from day to day, or if stronger reactions surface later after the initial shock fades. Accept your feelings each day and ask God for what you need.

God has promised to give us the necessary strength for each day.
. . . as your days, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25b