博客存档 - JAMES JANZEN MINISTRIES

A Life Full of Trauma

7/27/2023

The advice shared in the previous insight has its roots in the advice given in a letter by Paul. This is how he described his life of trauma.
I with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

TALK ABOUT TRAUMA! Despite all this, he found peace. How? He shares his secret in his letter to the Philippians.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:7-9

Simply stated, ”think about certain things and get your mind off of damaging thoughts”.
Is what you are thinking about on this list? If not, how can you think about these things? We will share some ideas in the insights that follow. Thinking these things worked for Paul. It can work for you.

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How to Calm Emotions

7/20/2023

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We have already said that being more emotional after a disaster is normal. It is not something to be ashamed of. Being emotional is a sign that your body is attempting to process and cope with the event. Tears and emotions are part of how God has designed us to heal! However, emotions can be so strong and negative that they produce damaging results. How can such emotions be calmed?

When strong feelings rise up, we need to help the mind move away from the strong emotions that result.
Here are a few simple suggestions.
Call a friend to see how they are doing.
Take a walk. Give the walk a purpose.

Count the doors or windows on a building.
Look for any objects with your favourite colour.
Count the number of birds or flowers that you see.
Look for a symbol of hope. If it is small, like a spring flower, bring it home with you.
Look for a person that you can do something simple for. Help them carry a package. Give them a smile and a greeting. Help them up the stairs. Help them across the street. Ask them how they are doing. Take time to listen to them.

Suggestions like this may seem too simple. You may feel that this is a waste of time. It is not! It will allow your body and mind to rest so that healing can take place. Suggestions like this have been proven to be helpful and are recommended by professionals in the Trauma Healing Institute. So don’t dismiss them without trying them.

KEY IDEA: get your mind off the memories and strong emotions.

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