From Storm to Strength: How Trauma Shaped My Faith

Have you ever felt like your body remembers things your mind tries to forget? I've been living this reality, and it's opened my eyes to the power of trauma and healing.

Recently, my counselor and doctor pointed out something I hadn't noticed: each year, around the anniversary of my divorce from my first marriage and some difficult decisions I made, my body reacts. It's as if my physical self is keeping score, remembering what my mind wants to move past.

At first, I wanted to brush it off. I'm not one to dwell on anniversaries, good or bad. But as I've learned to listen to my body, I've realized there's wisdom in paying attention to these patterns.

This journey has led me to evaluate my spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional health. My faith remains my anchor - without it, I truly have nothing. But I've discovered that my emotional well-being often takes the lead, affecting my mental and physical state in ways I never expected.

I've learned that trauma has its own timeline. It ebbs and flows, sometimes catching us off guard when we least expect it. The loss of my first marriage, career, and home all at once definitely left a mark - a scar that I'll always carry. But here's the beautiful truth I'm clinging to: scars can heal, and God can bring redemption even from our deepest wounds.

In the midst of this storm, God has showered me with blessings I never could have imagined. I'm now remarried to Jason, a miracle that fills my heart with gratitude every day. And my precious Eliana is already six years old…she is a constant reminder of God's faithfulness.

Looking back over the past 4-5 years, I'm in awe of how much has changed. There have been moments when I wondered if I would make it through. But today, I stand here with more hope than ever before. Hope that healing is possible. Hope that this journey, as difficult as it's been, is shaping me rather than defeating me.

If you’re walking through a season of trauma and pain, I want to encourage you: healing takes time, but it is possible! God is faithful to rescue us, even when it feels like no one else can. He hears the cries of our hearts and works in ways we can't always see.

So today, let's hold onto hope together. Let's trust that our scars can become testaments to God's healing power. And in all things, let's give glory to the One who walks with us through every step of our journey.