Trauma. This word just won't leave me alone this week.
I have been getting it from many places in various forms. Earlier this week, it was climate fueled for family and friends in the East. Flood warnings were in effect for much of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and humidity levels are persistently high right now. In Vermont, flooding. In the southwest US states, record heat waves were taking their toll on other friends. One friend called from Montreal to say they had had 7 centimeters (3.5 inches) of rain in less than 24 hours. Then, other former diehard Elks fans were texting in shock at Edmonton's latest football loss tying an all-time record. And then I came across a very provocative TED Talk passed on from Rev. Carey Nieuwhof. It is from Tina Yong at UBC. I highly recommend it as it addresses the institutionalization of trauma.
Sounds like a usual week for many people right now. For us Christians, it is not. Based on John 17, we know that we are in - however, not of - the world. My faith is not dependent on the circumstances around me and being blown to and fro by every event that comes along. I recommend the book "Resident Aliens" here, written by Revs. Will Willamon and Stanley Hauerwas. I was reminded this week of Psalm 139 and Ephesians 2:10. God has made all things good (Genesis 1) and what comes from that is journeying along with our Triune God always at hand.
In my nearly 40 years of ministry, I have served 9 different parishes in 3 provinces. Doing the math quickly means that's one just under every 4.5 years. Only in the last year or so has that become a long term track record as many are shifting and re-shifting their jobs quickly these days.
There are adventures in all of those places. For those of us with chronic ailments, we can see those as on-going, chronic problems or we can work and adapt to the challenges they bring. This is especially true for Pam and I as we have diabetes; I have had 2 cancers and Pam has Parkinson's Disease. Through all of it, and more, God is right there.
Some of us have known many traumas in our lives, some much fewer. The pain is real and the suffering is real. And Jesus knows all of it through his pain and suffering. As Christians we stand with and in some very fine company. If it seems overwhelming, share it with God and with us fellow Christians on the road. Now, how's your trauma level today and what are you doing with it? Pastor Scott
