Today’s Reflection
Trauma survivors often experience pervasive shame and self-doubt. As a result, many hesitate to talk about their trauma and often do not disclose it at all. I’ve met with many clients who seek to minimize or dismiss the obvious forms of abuse that they have experienced. For a variety of reasons, they convince themselves their lived experience “doesn’t count” or “isn’t that bad.” This is why it is so important for us to pay attention and believe people when they speak about harm they’ve either observed or experienced. Simply saying the words out loud is a major hurdle to clear.
Angela D. Schaffner, “Valuing Safety in the Church,” in Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust Within Faith Communities (Discipleship Resources, 2023)
Today’s Question
What professional resources for dealing with trauma does your congregation offer?
Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
—Galatians 6:2 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Holy God, we recognize that all people are entrusted to our care. We respond to your will for us to watch over one another. Help us keep our eyes alert to dangers and keep our ears attentive to even silent cries for help. Use our community to be a place of safety for all. Amen. [prayer adapted from Safer Sanctuaries]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Now available in Spanish, Safer Sanctuaries is a trusted source of guidance for churches and other affiliated institutions as they work to reduce the risk of abuse in their communities. Learn more at SaferSanctuaries.org.
Lectionary Readings
- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
- Psalm 19
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
- Luke 4:14-21
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Our pastor provides counseling to help people who are homeless find resources in addition to housing. CCUMC is very small, but we do what we can to help people. Thank You, Lord.
My church, about the time I began attending in 2017, began a counseling service. Since then it has grown so much. It was initially housed in my church, but has since had to move to a bigger space. I sought counsel there while mom was ill. It is supported by many churches in my corner of the state, and has multiple offices. It continues to prosper – with online options. No person is turned away due to inability to pay.
April – thank you for your words. I certainly have a much broader perspective for people who live with chronic pain. I feel like I am on the much more moderate end of that spectrum, gratefully. Yet – it is life impacting.
My throat is a bit sore this morning…trying to figure out if it is just a cold or possibly something bigger. I’m taking in lots of liquids. Looking forward to church this morning and hope to be feeling well enough for my tennis match later this afternoon. It would be hard to find a substitute this late. I will re-evaluate after church.
Our pastor does pastoral counseling. A local church has a counseling ministry with licensed therapists. I have been sitting with God this week and I have thought a lot about sanctuary this week. As a couple of the entries from this week’s book hav opined that the church is a place to keep ALL persons safe. It is our work to do. We show up and do what we are called to do. Thank You Lord, for those who speak for the traumatized and vulnerable among us.
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