Healing Trauma and Negative Experiences 

A Love Note Quiet Time 

Rolonda “Ro” Pierce, Oklahoma, USA

Within the past three years I have experienced overwhelming grief, a personal health crisis, a family explosion, trauma, and side dish of drama. There were times I thought I could not and would not get to the other side. If you have ever felt this way or if you feel this way now, this is a special love note quiet time just for you.  

I have been a faithful disciple for over twenty-three years.  I was baptized in the campus ministry as a freshman in college and I now serve as a women’s minister in the Tulsa International Church. This past summer I was in need of some self-care and literally “found” myself through a Mind Change Book Club. Here are some Scriptures, insights, takeaways, and practicals that, Lord willing, may encourage and refresh you on your journey.  

Scriptures for Reflection, Insights and Takeaways

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Insights and Takeaways:

• Before I can hear God see God or make sense of any experience, I must be transformed in my thinking.  

Romans 8:17-18 NIV

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Insights and Takeaways:

• We don’t always see it as an honor to share in the sufferings of Christ, but it is. Just as Christ suffered and became greater, we must remember that God is doing something beyond our imagination in the suffering.  
• We can also be encouraged to know that the suffering is temporary. It’s nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. God is giving us a promise that this will happen and that he will be with us every step which is so encouraging!  

1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Insights and Takeaways:

• Suffering won’t last. When the timer goes off the God of Grace who called YOU will set everything right and make it better than before and more!  

Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)

4-5 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Insights and Takeaways: 

• I must take time to evaluate what I have done and what I am doing.  I need to be self-aware but not conceited. 
• I can do my best every day! I have no control over others, nor should I compare myself to others. Just do my best and take responsibility for that. 

2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Insights and Takeaways: 

• Celebrate. Be Grateful!
• Be Hopeful. Be Encouraging. Be Peaceful. Be Loving. Be Patient 
• I need prayer to be these things.

Questions for Personal Reflection

• What are some areas of your thinking that are in need of transformation? (If you don’t know ask God or a trusted friend)
• What will help you to be motivated in this temporary season of suffering?
• What are some ways you have seen God restore, strengthen, or encourage you?
• What are some areas in which God is calling you to do some evaluation and grow? 
• What are ways you will stay encouraged this week? Who can you encourage despite your difficulties? 

Practicals for Transformation and Healing

1. Join a Mind Change book club (https://www.mindchange.com/).
   If a mind change book club is not available or practical for your situation right now, then I would encourage you to join or start a prayer group or spiritual book club. There is so much encouragement, insight, and support that comes when sisters join together in prayer or deep Bible study.  

   

2. Positive visualization with Jesus (ask Him to heal you and help you)
   For example, I struggle and manage anxiety and I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by the number of unfinished tasks that need to be done, let alone the unplanned emergencies and, well -- life as a mom. So when I get to a the point that I feel like it is all just too much, I stop everything and I go to a quiet place. I close my eyes and I all I see is Jesus. With my eyes closed, I ask Jesus to please help me, because everything has become too heavy and hard. I always see Jesus answering, “Yes, of course, Ro.” As I sit with Jesus, I usually cry and pray but I always leave this time feeling refreshed and restored.  

3. Powerful worship and praise dance sessions to deal with stress and anger.
   This is one of my favorite ways to deal with deep hurts from my past.  I have so many favorite gospel songs that mean so much to me. I usually pick songs where every word is full of life and meaning.  So when I need to work through a bad memory or a present hurt, I sing and dance with all my heart, soul, and strength. I stomp or yell at Satan and reclaim my faith in Jesus. It is by far one of the most powerful and fun expressions of love and conviction that I will trust in God.  

   

4. Special prayer time with the Holy Spirit (wrap yourself in a blanket and feel the love)
   I always long to feel close to God to know he is actually with me. I have recently found different ways of experiencing spiritual closeness. One of my favorite ways is to wrap myself in a special blanket and pour out my heart in prayer. I have had some of the most life-changing prayers, just being more intentional and focused. Making these times special have truly blessed my soul.  
5. Prayer bomb it!
   (Ask ten plus of your closest friends to pray over something specific you want to see God do and watch him do it) 

Closing Thoughts

Our Lord and Savior is no stranger to negative experiences, trauma, or drama.  He has experienced everything we are going through and more. He loves you and he will carry you through this season of pain. Please hold on to the word of God, please keep in step with the Holy Spirit, please look to our mighty savior Jesus’s example and be restored. May God’s love and peace consume you and overwhelm you as you journey on. I love you and I’m praying for you.