When major, negative, life events occur, two outcomes are possible.

1.

You experience damage to your soul. Next, you shape your life from that emotional damage. Finally, you begin to demonstrate unhealthy, emotional actions and behaviors (Anger, control, defensiveness, etc.).

2.

You experience emotional damage. Afterwards, you dig in deeply and do emotional-spiritual recovery work. Yes, you have been knocked down but you fight your way back. The outcome is a deeper, healthier, more emotionally-spiritual you. And, your behaviors flow out of recovered peace, rest, and/or joy. (Joy from your new discovery.)

You will experience many negative life events as you grow.

The good news is you have complete control over one thing, how you respond. Or, said differently, your attitude.

When you see someone talking, acting, and interacting in an unhealthy manner, you know this. They have one foot still stuck in the tar pit of a past, negative event.

And, you will also know when you experience someone walking in peace, rest, and joy. They discovered a higher truth. And, claimed it.

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32

The truth will set you free.

Prayer

Father, guide me. And, help me grow stronger right through every negative, life event. Amen

(Note- Trauma is a specific category of events to which these comments may or may not apply.)