Surviving TraumaSýnishorn

In 2011, after being out of the Navy for over a decade, I heard the disastrous news of Extortion 17. I had recently returned from climbing Mount Everest and was planning a climbing expedition in Antarctica between speaking and media engagements when I received the news. I was floored by the headlines of Extortion 17 being shot down in Afghanistan. Extortion 17 was a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter carrying 38 US servicemen, including members of SEAL Team 6. A Taliban fighter got a lucky shot from a rocket-propelled grenade, which caused the crash, making it the deadliest helicopter incident in the history of US Special Forces. Onboard was my friend who I had the honor of serving with, Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin Houston.

I quickly moved from shock and denial to anger. I was furious at all things that I had no information about or control over. I wasn’t there, but I played out all the scenarios that allowed this to happen. I was angry at the enemy. I was angry at God. I wanted revenge. I felt helpless. Useless. Paralyzed.

In times of confusion and desperation, it can seem like God is nowhere to be found. It’s ok to question in these times as it’s part of the process of seeking, understanding, and trusting in God, no matter the circumstance. King David wrote, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1).

Anger is a normal masking mechanism but can be unhealthy. It gives us back control of a reaction, which doesn’t help but spiral into more unhealthy anger and hurt. It pushes the emotions aside that we need to deal with, and instead we can experience irrational thoughts. The alternative of unhealthy anger is healthy anger. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin”. Through guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can use healthy anger to be productive in understanding and confronting evil.

Psalm 34:17-20 reminds us that even in the midst of trauma, where we want to escape the chaos of thoughts and emotions, we must walk them out. God promises to be our source of wisdom and courage to deliver us from these moments. It’s not instantaneous as we would hope, but if we fully trust in Him, we will eventually get to a place of peace. We must accept the fact that we can’t do it on our own and require His help. We should then recognize His mighty power and be thankful for His guidance. In some cases, we may also require outside wisdom and guidance from a resource like a Christian counselor.

Daily Journal

Write in your journal about times you jumped to anger during a response to trauma. How long did that anger last? What effects did it have on the situation and others? If you’re holding pain and regret from that time, take a moment to release that pain to God. It’s in the past. It’s over. You don’t need to carry that burden any longer. Give it to Him.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call 988