Being HeardIsampula

HEALING BY BEING HEARD

God will use you and repurpose you for his work in this world. But in the midst of our pain and suffering, that seems far away. How can we heal from our soul wounds when the pain is so close and so deep?

WHEN WE TALK WITH SOMEONE WHO LISTENS WELL, IT CAN HELP US:

• Gain an honest understanding of what happened and how it has affected us
• Express our feelings about what happened and accept what happened
• Feel heard and know we are not alone
• Trust that God also wants to hear about our pain

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LISTENER

KRIS AND ADAM’S STORY

Earlier in the study, you listened to Kris and Adam’s story. Adam came back from overseas with a serious physical wound and disability. His initial reaction to being home was to be reclusive and self-medicate with alcohol. Kris is at a complete loss for how she can help her husband. More than that, she has no one to turn to. How does she begin to heal, so she can also support her husband? Listen to the conclusion of her story below.

WHEN IS LISTENING NOT ENOUGH? WHEN SHOULD WE ACT BEYOND JUST LISTENING?

Here are signs that someone may need more help beyond spending time with a good listener:

• Their behaviors put life and health at risk
• They are unable to complete daily activities or care for basic needs
• They frequently cannot manage their emotions
• They think things are happening that are not real, such as hearing voices or imagining that they are being followed

These behaviors show that someone needs professional help. Offer to help connect them with a chaplain, pastor, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

For immediate assistance, reach out to these organizations.

Reflect & Respond

Optional Tip: Journaling your responses to the scripture and follow up questions can help you process what you're learning and see your progress towards healing over time.

We become good listeners by practicing. Even as we practice, we can help each other heal. Think about a conversation between yourself and someone that you trust. What are some helpful things you can do as a listener to support your friend?

Read about what makes a good friend in these verses: Proverbs 20:5, Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 20:19, Proverbs 18:13. Then read Psalm 62:1-8, Psalm 116, 1 John 5:13-15 and reflect on how we have a God who hears us.

WHAT’S NEXT

Opening up by speaking to a trusted person may begin the healing process, but the pain will still be there. How should we handle this? Continue on and look for the next study in this Never Alone series titled “Grieve With Hope.”

For more information on healing from trauma, especially in the military, check out our website: NeverAloneMilitary.org