Building with Broken Bricks Part 2: The Tricks of Trauma

When I was a child one of the sayings passed down was that if it's late at night and you are entering the house you have to do so backwards or ‘duppy’ will get in the house with you. I don't know about others, but this thing had me so afraid that I either entered the house backwards or I tried my best to be inside before it got dark. 

One day I was coming home from a community birthday party and I was so excited to show my sister my new toys that I rushed in the house, it wasn't until after that I realized it was late and I didn't walk backwards, I cried all night until my sister told me that it was just a saying, it wasn't real. Although it took me some time to be convinced, I eventually mellowed out. 

Isn't it funny how what we believe about life can greatly affect our outlook and experiences? 

Like my very own belief of walking backwards preventing spirits from following me, there are many captured by the tricks of trauma. 

What does trauma say? 

1. You will never be happy. 

Trauma is controlling. It's like being a prisoner in your own body. Your movements become restricted. You repeatedly live in darkness afraid to let the light in, lest someone sees the monsters you're fighting. But the Bible tells us that there is liberty and joy in Christ. 

1. This is your life now. 

Trauma is a cycle. It tricks you to believe that there is no life beyond it. That this is your forever story, and trains you to accept this false fact. But Jesus tells us in his word in Ecclesiastes 9:4 that where there is life, there is hope. Your story can change at any moment. 

1. No one cares. 

Trauma likes isolation. When you are alone, you don't need external enemies. Your mind will be your worst enemy. Trauma pushes others away because it wants isolation to cause you to fester and be destroyed. But the Bible tells us we are never alone, God is with us(Hebrews 13:5). 

1. The only way free is death. 

Suicidal thoughts can stem from trauma, this need to feel free from the pain currently being faced. If you are one having these feelings and thoughts I encourage you, there is another way. Your life is one of purpose and YOU MATTER. 

You are LOVED. So much so in fact that the Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for you to live abundantly (John 3:16). 

Let me pray for you today, that you will not fall for the tricks of trauma.

Dear Lord Jesus, I put this person reading this article before you today. May you cause liberation in every area of their life where trauma resides. May you strip away every darkness and bring forth your marvellous light. May you fill their lives with your joy and peace, may you be their present help. May they feel the warm embrace of your love and choose life in Jesus name. I thank you oh Lord that you reveal to redeem. Amen.