Healing Trauma
“Through prayer we can carry in our heart all human pain and sorrow, all conflicts and agonies, all torture and war, all hunger, loneliness, and misery, not because of some great psychological or emotional capacity, but because God’s heart has become one with ours.”
— Henri J. M. Nouwen
Struck by John Garland’s assertion that praying and singing the Psalms can begin to heal the trauma of even asylum seekers crossing the border after unimaginable challenges, I wonder if this form of prayer can support those seeking to heal from other gut-wrenching trauma.
The support Pastor John and The San Antonio Mennonite Church have offered asylum seekers since late 2016 has garnered national attention.
“The congregation tries to make a long-term difference in people’s lives by employing an approach called trauma-informed care, which draws on the behavioral sciences to help people heal from the ways that traumatic experiences can shape the brain, producing certain modes of belief and action.”
Awarded the National Association of Social Workers’ Texas 2020 “Public Citizen of the Year,” Pastor John has listened to countless horror stories and helped many vulnerable people begin healing through praying the Psalms. Please join Eremos this Thursday evening to listen to his experience and see if it can be of support to you or your loved ones too.
May you be blessed with Divine guidance to lead you to words, songs, people, and experiences that bring you comfort and healing.