Two Truths

 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Pain caused by someone’s wrongdoing is real.

God can redeem the bad with good.

We often try to soothe and comfort the pain in others by emphasizing the positive without acknowledging the pain.

It is unreasonable to think if we have enough faith, we will never experience pain or anguish. The same with spewing some platitudes and expecting the sufferer to suddenly be healed.

I’ve recovered from much of the pain my ex inflicted, except for one. Fear of being too exposed. It’s a form of PTSD. I’ve been conditioned to avoid pain, by hiding, staying quiet, becoming invisible.

It’s a subconscious reaction. I prefer to sit in the back, never in the open. I’m uncomfortable standing in front of a crowd. In a restaurant, unless I’m with others I trust, I want the back booth and sit facing the door. I don’t like large or small spaces. The former is too exposed, the latter is claustrophobic, and I can’t breathe. Every room I enter, I note the exits and form escape routes.

The usual cliches did nothing to eliminate my distress. My faith kept me from despair and gave me the strength to seek help. Professional counseling and the support of family and friends, along with God’s compassion and encouragement, got me through those dark times and help me handle the occasional flash backs.

Because of my experiences, I steer away from trying to point out all the positives about their situation. There will be time for that, but not at first. They need understanding and compassion, acknowledgement and validation of their pain. I do remind them they’ll never be alone in their suffering. That truth has become clichéd, but it’s true. God will be with them in some way, through the kind gesture of a friend, prayers from strangers, a comforting scripture passage, maybe even a miracle — like the repentance of the wrongdoer. But if not, God will help them find healing. I don’t just believe this. I’ve lived it.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me, encouraging me, and understanding my struggle. I pray for those in similar circumstances. Give them Your strength. Encourage them to seek help. Comfort them. Amen.