Over time, memories stack on top of one another.

Some are uneventful and fade easily. Others are traumatic and get buried deep within us. The problem is that many traumatic memories are stored with unresolved emotional pain, and that old pain can quietly hinder present-day emotional growth.

Psychotherapist Bruce Ecker uses striking language to describe these problem memories. He calls them:

“Absolutely Lethal Memories.”

Why “lethal”?

Not because of the memory itself—you already survived that.

They are lethal because the child brain encased the memory in fear.

Here is how Ecker describes that fear:

If you ever re-experience this charged traumatic memory, it will completely overwhelm you with agony. You will be helplessly stuck. There will be no exit and no recovery. This memory is vastly more powerful than you. Even touching it once will engulf you in agony forever. One contact will destroy you.

Isn’t that a hauntingly accurate description of the fear surrounding traumatic memories?

Doesn’t it explain why so many people are terrified of revisiting their traumatic past? Why a grown man can suddenly break down and weep when an old memory is discussed? 

Pause.

Now we can see the two problems clearly:

1.    The mountain of fear that encases the memory—screaming, “If you go back there, you will be trapped in agony forever.”

2.    The memory itself, which may or may not still be emotionally charged.

The work of healing must gently address both.

Prayer

Father, You tell me to “fear not.”

My spirit believes You fully.

Yet my soul still carries deeply buried fear and agony.

I invite the Holy Spirit to do a supernatural work in my traumatic memories.

Bring truth where fear has ruled.

Bring safety where terror has lived.

Bring healing where pain has been stored. Amen.

Scripture

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

— Psalm 23:4 (ESV)