Finding Healing Through Trauma and Resurrection
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Bridge friends and family. Today, we gather to continue our series on "Trauma Informed," especially significant during Mental Health Awareness Month. Here at the Bridge, we emphasize that God cares for us holistically—spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The church should be a safe place for these conversations, and we aim to foster an environment where people can bring their struggles and questions without fear of judgment.
We began by discussing the Disney movie "Encanto," which illustrates the impact of unprocessed trauma. Abuela Alma's unprocessed trauma affects her entire family, leading to controlling behaviors, overwhelming expectations, and ultimately, a breakdown in family relationships. This mirrors our own lives, where unprocessed trauma can fester and affect us deeply. We are all a mix of beauty and brokenness, made in God's image but also hurt and hurting others. We were created for a world without suffering, yet we live in a world filled with pain and trauma.
We then turned to the scripture in Luke 24:13-27, where two of Jesus' disciples are walking to Emmaus, grappling with the trauma of Jesus' crucifixion. They are trying to make sense of their shattered dreams and hopes. Jesus draws near to them, though they do not recognize Him. He asks them what they are discussing, giving them space to express their grief and confusion. This teaches us that Jesus draws near to us in our trauma, even when we don't recognize His presence.
Jesus provides space for us to name our pain and losses. He approaches with curiosity, not judgment, and allows us to express our emotions. This is crucial for healing. Denial is not healing; acknowledging our pain and taking it to God, a therapist, or a trusted friend is essential. Healing involves talking, tears, and time. We must be willing to name our wounds and dysfunctions honestly.
Jesus also helps us see life and healing. The disciples struggle to believe in the resurrection, but Jesus reminds them that suffering precedes glory. This is a profound truth: resurrection and new life come only after death and suffering. Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate example of this, showing that death and sin do not have the final say. Life can come from death, beauty from ashes, and hope from despair.
We are invited to believe in resurrection in our own lives. This means acknowledging what feels dead and praying for God to bring life into those areas. Staying connected to Christ's body, the church, is vital. We need the support and care of others to walk through our pain and find healing. Healing is not a return to the old status quo; it is a new, transformed life that requires risk and change.
As we close, we are reminded that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. True faith involves naming our pain and suffering, knowing that grief is met by God's comfort and newness of life. We celebrate communion to remember that Jesus' suffering preceded His glory, and through His sacrifice, we are invited into new life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Draws Near in Our Trauma: Jesus approaches us in our moments of deepest pain and confusion, just as He did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Even when we don't recognize His presence, He is there, walking alongside us. Our job is not to make God appear but to know that He is near, providing comfort and companionship in our suffering. [12:17]
2. Naming Our Pain is Essential for Healing: Healing begins with acknowledging our pain and losses. Denial is not a path to healing; it is a coping mechanism. We must be willing to name our wounds honestly and take them to God, a therapist, or a trusted friend. This process involves talking, tears, and time, allowing us to move from trauma to healing. [16:51]
3. Suffering Precedes Glory: Jesus teaches that suffering is a necessary precursor to glory. This profound truth means that resurrection and new life come only after death and suffering. In our own lives, we must be willing to face and endure suffering to experience the transformative power of resurrection and new life. [22:25]
4. Believing in Resurrection in Our Lives: We are invited to believe in resurrection not just as a historical event but as a present reality in our own lives. This means acknowledging what feels dead and praying for God to bring life into those areas. Staying connected to the church and leaning on the support of others is crucial for this journey. [24:54]
5. Healing Requires Risk and Change: True healing is not a return to the old status quo but a transformation into something new. This requires risk and a willingness to change. We must be willing to leave behind our familiar dysfunctions and embrace the new life that God offers, even when it feels daunting. [26:49]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Month
[01:50] - Series Overview: Trauma Informed
[02:35] - Disney's Encanto and Unprocessed Trauma
[05:43] - The Reality of Trauma in Our Lives
[06:58] - Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-27
[10:10] - Jesus Draws Near in Our Trauma
[12:17] - The Importance of Naming Our Pain
[16:51] - Healing Involves Talking, Tears, and Time
[22:25] - Suffering Precedes Glory
[24:54] - Believing in Resurrection in Our Lives
[26:49] - Healing Requires Risk and Change
[29:24] - Communion Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 24:13-27
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples discussing as they walked to Emmaus, and how did Jesus initially interact with them? ([06:58])
2. How did the disciples describe their hopes and disappointments regarding Jesus' crucifixion? ([08:00])
3. What was Jesus' response to the disciples' recounting of events, and what did He explain to them? ([09:03])
4. How does the story illustrate Jesus drawing near to the disciples in their moment of trauma? ([12:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples did not recognize Jesus when He first approached them? ([06:58])
2. How does Jesus' approach of asking questions and giving space for the disciples to express their grief help in processing trauma? ([15:47])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says that suffering precedes glory, and how does this apply to the disciples' situation? ([21:30])
4. How does the concept of resurrection in the disciples' lives extend beyond the historical event of Jesus' resurrection? ([24:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus was near during a difficult period in your life. How did His presence impact you? ([12:17])
2. What are some ways you can create space for others to name their pain and losses, similar to how Jesus did for the disciples? ([15:47])
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel "dead" or hopeless. How can you invite God to bring resurrection and new life into that area? ([24:54])
4. Discuss a personal experience where you had to endure suffering before experiencing a positive transformation. How did this process shape your faith? ([21:30])
5. How can you stay connected to the church community and lean on the support of others during times of trauma and healing? ([25:57])
6. What risks and changes might be necessary for you to move from a place of dysfunction to a new, transformed life? ([26:49])
7. How can you practice being present with someone in their pain this week, without trying to fix their problems or provide answers? ([14:36])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Draws Near in Our Trauma
In our moments of deepest pain and confusion, Jesus approaches us just as He did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Even when we don't recognize His presence, He is there, walking alongside us. Our job is not to make God appear but to know that He is near, providing comfort and companionship in our suffering. Jesus' presence in our trauma is a testament to His unwavering love and commitment to us. He listens to our grief and confusion, offering a safe space for us to express our emotions without fear of judgment. This divine companionship is a source of immense comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.
Understanding that Jesus is with us in our trauma can transform our perspective on suffering. It allows us to see our pain not as a sign of abandonment but as an opportunity to experience God's closeness in a profound way. By recognizing His presence, we can find solace and hope, knowing that He is guiding us through our darkest moments. This awareness can help us to trust in His plan and lean on His strength, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. [12:17]
Luke 24:15-16 (ESV): "While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment of pain or confusion in your life. How can you acknowledge Jesus' presence with you in that moment and invite Him to walk alongside you?
Day 2: Naming Our Pain is Essential for Healing
Healing begins with acknowledging our pain and losses. Denial is not a path to healing; it is a coping mechanism. We must be willing to name our wounds honestly and take them to God, a therapist, or a trusted friend. This process involves talking, tears, and time, allowing us to move from trauma to healing. By naming our pain, we open the door to genuine healing and transformation. It is through this honest acknowledgment that we can begin to address the root causes of our suffering and seek the support we need to heal.
Jesus provides space for us to name our pain and losses. He approaches with curiosity, not judgment, and allows us to express our emotions. This is crucial for healing. Denial is not healing; acknowledging our pain and taking it to God, a therapist, or a trusted friend is essential. Healing involves talking, tears, and time. We must be willing to name our wounds and dysfunctions honestly. [16:51]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of pain or loss in your life that you have been avoiding? How can you take a step today to name that pain and seek support from God or a trusted person?
Day 3: Suffering Precedes Glory
Jesus teaches that suffering is a necessary precursor to glory. This profound truth means that resurrection and new life come only after death and suffering. In our own lives, we must be willing to face and endure suffering to experience the transformative power of resurrection and new life. This concept challenges us to view our struggles through a different lens, recognizing that they can lead to growth and renewal. By embracing our suffering, we can find hope in the promise of new beginnings and the possibility of a transformed life.
The disciples struggled to believe in the resurrection, but Jesus reminded them that suffering precedes glory. This is a profound truth: resurrection and new life come only after death and suffering. Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate example of this, showing that death and sin do not have the final say. Life can come from death, beauty from ashes, and hope from despair. [22:25]
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience of suffering in your life. How can you see this suffering as a precursor to potential growth and transformation? What steps can you take to embrace this process?
Day 4: Believing in Resurrection in Our Lives
We are invited to believe in resurrection not just as a historical event but as a present reality in our own lives. This means acknowledging what feels dead and praying for God to bring life into those areas. Staying connected to the church and leaning on the support of others is crucial for this journey. By believing in resurrection, we open ourselves to the possibility of renewal and transformation in areas of our lives that seem hopeless. This faith in God's power to bring life from death can inspire us to seek His intervention and trust in His plan for our restoration.
The disciples struggled to believe in the resurrection, but Jesus reminded them that suffering precedes glory. This is a profound truth: resurrection and new life come only after death and suffering. Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate example of this, showing that death and sin do not have the final say. Life can come from death, beauty from ashes, and hope from despair. [24:54]
Ezekiel 37:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life that feels dead or hopeless. How can you pray for God's resurrection power to bring new life into that area today? What practical steps can you take to stay connected to the church and seek support from others?
Day 5: Healing Requires Risk and Change
True healing is not a return to the old status quo but a transformation into something new. This requires risk and a willingness to change. We must be willing to leave behind our familiar dysfunctions and embrace the new life that God offers, even when it feels daunting. Embracing this transformation involves stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting in God's plan for our lives. It requires us to let go of old patterns and habits that no longer serve us and to embrace the new opportunities and growth that God has in store.
Healing is a journey that involves risk and change. It is not about returning to the old status quo but about being transformed into something new. This transformation requires us to take risks and be willing to change. We must leave behind our familiar dysfunctions and embrace the new life that God offers, even when it feels daunting. [26:49]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What familiar dysfunctions or old patterns are you holding onto that hinder your healing? How can you take a step today to embrace the new life and transformation that God is offering you? What risks are you willing to take to experience true healing?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We like to say here at the Bridge, this is a safe place to struggle. This is a safe place to be skeptical. Which means you can come in here carrying whatever it is that's been going on in your life and you don't have to act like you have it all together. You don't have to act like you don't have questions. Questions for God and questions for the church." [00:57]
2. "And so whether in our trauma or the trauma of others, our job is not to make God appear, but to know that he is near. Our job is not to make God appear, but to know that he is near. Yet we may not always recognize it. It says their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And it's said in a way that God is at work in the midst of this, which means sometimes we won't always see that God is there, but it doesn't mean he isn't." [13:29]
3. "So I don't know what you are facing right now, whether it is turbulence in your marriage, whether it's loneliness in your life, whether it is a crippling diagnosis or a horrific tragedy, or just the pain of your past, know that Jesus is drawing near. You don't have to run to try and find him. He is finding you. Amen." [14:36]
4. "When grief comes out, it makes room for life to come in. And that is true of small griefs as well as big griefs. When we talk about this, this doesn't have to be your story, it might look different than others, and yet all of us have experienced losses. And if we aren't able to name those, it makes it hard for life to come in." [24:54]
5. "And if you're here today and you would not consider yourself a follower of Jesus, I just, encourage you to not go another day without knowing him. Without knowing the wounded healer who heals not from a place of superiority, but by entering into our weakness and brokenness." [29:24]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And the church should be a safe place for these conversations. We believe the church should be a place that has and encourages these conversations rather than avoids them. And so this month we've been walking through a series called Trauma Informed. And can we give Pastor Boone a hand just for the words he has given us these past few weeks. He has been loving and caring for us from God's word and accomplishing our hope for this series, which was one, to help all of us see how God cares for and meets us in the midst of our wounds, our traumas, and our stories and shows us path towards healing. And second, to empower us to be people that enter into the pain of others with compassion, patience, and the love of Jesus." [01:50]
2. "And this is what can be so hard about trauma in my life and your life is it creates a feedback loop where we relive and interpret everything through the events and the things that have happened to us, the fear to risk again and trust again and hope again. And so here is the first truth. And if you get nothing else today, I want you to know this. Jesus draws near to us in the midst of our trauma. They are walking. They don't even believe Jesus has risen from the dead and he draws near to them. He walks up alongside them." [12:17]
3. "He provides space for them to share their experience. He doesn't decide for them what it was like, but asks them, how are you dealing with that? What is it that has taken place? He gives them space to talk about the crucifixion they had seen and to talk about their shattered dreams, to name the real losses that they have experienced. And so for us too, part of processing trauma is naming the deaths we have experienced. Naming the losses. Losses we have been through. Naming the pain and the fear and the emotions that we are scared won't go away." [15:47]
4. "And if I'm not willing to stare honestly and name honestly, what I've been through and where I've been, I will not be able to sit in the pain of others. Because just like I try to jump too quickly to healing, I'll try to make others do the same. And if we have not been through the desert ourselves, it will be hard to be present in the desert with others. And you may say the natural question that comes in the midst of this is if I start crying, I'll never stop. If I bring that up, I'm scared I won't ever be able to move. I'm scared I won't ever be able to move beyond it. Or maybe it was so long ago, it doesn't actually affect me anymore." [18:58]
5. "And if you want growth in your life, if you want resurrection in your family, if you want generational trauma to change, you will have to experience death first. Glory and resurrection cannot come without death. Something cannot rise again until it is dead. And he shows them how all of the scripture has pointed to this. He says, He goes to the Old Testament, to the law, to the prophets, and he says, This pattern of death into life is what the whole story is about. My raising from the dead is what all of this has been pointing to, that the love of God, that the love of God comes into death and violence and says there is life." [22:25]
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