Soul Care: Healing From Childhood TraumaPrimjer

Childhood Trauma

Interestingly enough, many do not claim to have experienced childhood trauma. They are either avoiding that painful area, have normalized their experience, or honestly have had a normal and healthy childhood.

Childhood trauma is defined as a traumatic event that is frightening, dangerous, or violent and poses a threat to life or bodily integrity. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the life or physical security of a loved one (like adults fighting) can also be traumatic. Neglect is probably the most frequently experienced and normalized of childhood trauma. Not having basic physical, emotional, and relational needs met significantly impairs mental and emotional wellness.

Traumatic experiences can evoke strong emotions and physical reactions that may persist long after the event. I have witnessed, as a spirit-filled therapist, how trauma has contributed to a distorted self-image. Individuals do not see themselves as fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps.139:13-15). Many experience feelings of shame, guilt, and a pervasive sense of unworthiness.

We must know that God is close to the brokenhearted - impacted by those impacted by trauma (Ps. 34:18.) I love what Isaiah 61:1-2 (AMP) declares:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.

We see clearly in the scripture God has sent His Son to ensure our total healing and freedom. Yet, when we have experienced trauma, it is difficult to receive the benefits of Christ's death. Moving forward, we will address key areas to being able to partake in the healing, wholeness, and liberty Christ died for us to experience.