"Trauma"

“Trauma”

The hospital in which I work is designated as a trauma center. Since it’s the only such facility in Polk County (population 600,000+) many out-of-town patients are brought to the Trauma ICU for treatment. Tragically many of these injuries are so severe that lasting effects or death is the outcome. In such cases my role as chaplain is to bring comfort, support and a listening ear to hurting families and friends.

Physical trauma has been described as “a bodily wound or injury, especially caused by sudden external violence”. At the hospital this is seen primarily as results of vehicular crashes, gunshot wounds or falls. It can also take the form of “an emotional shock that causes lasting psychological damage” as an outcome of a significant loss. (Both definitions are from The American Heritage Dictionary.) Perhaps PTSD is the most familiar infirmity associated with the latter phenomenon. (For an excellent analysis of this condition see Chaplain Dean Bonura’s book Beyond Trauma, described in my previous posting “A Critical Need Addressed”.)

Someone has observed that trauma occurs “when internal resources are overwhelmed by external experience”. (I’ve been unable to recall or find the source of this quotation.) This describes what we might think of as spiritual trauma. Sometimes we feel bombarded by outward circumstances which are beyond our control (e.g. illness, job loss, financial reversal) which seem to have no solutions. So how do we find help and resources to cope? As always, Scripture has answers. The Apostle Paul assures us, “No test…that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, TM, emphasis added). And Jesus’ beloved disciple reminds us that “…the one who is in you (i.e. the Holy Spirit) is greater than the one who is in the world (i.e. Satan).” (1 John 4:4). And let’s not overlook the value of our community of faith (“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2; “…If one member suffers all the other members suffer with it….”—1 Corinthians 12:26, Phillips). 

Together let’s profit from David’s counsel to pray and “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22, emphasis added).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan