It starts with a kiss or a touch, always quick, like an accidental brushstroke of painful memories on a virgin canvas. Oops. Did I trigger you with intrusive memories while you were trying to sleep? My bad. Hush, now. Shhh. It’s okay. Just a nightmare. Fine me when you’re awake for the terrible things I … Continue reading The Way Trauma Loves You Back
Category: Stuff No One Talks About
I Wish the Prosperity Gospel was Real
I wish the Prosperity Gospel was real. I really do. For those who do not know what that is, it is a false theology/belief system within Christian doctrine that says "God wants—and even promises! —health, wealth, happiness, and whatever my heart desires." Of course, the ends to the means is on the part of the … Continue reading I Wish the Prosperity Gospel was Real
Your Support System isn’t Your Therapist, Your Therapist isn’t Superman
Dear Lovelies, It's time for some tough love and hard truth pills. Here's the reality of the situation: Your support system isn't your therapist; your therapist isn't Superman. We all know recovery isn't linear and there are ups and downs, twists and turns, and even resting places on this journey. There will be days when … Continue reading Your Support System isn’t Your Therapist, Your Therapist isn’t Superman
Humanizing Judas Iscariot
I woke up this morning thinking about Judas Iscariot, you know, the guy history remembers as the "son of hell"? The one who betrayed Jesus to the Pharisees for 30 pieces of silver (roughly $250 in today's money, but that number varies depending on which scholar you ask). Most of us know the story: Jesus … Continue reading Humanizing Judas Iscariot
The Traumatic Nature of Deconversion
Memory is unreliable when recounting old wounds, but I do know that the beginning of the end started with an email to an old professor in which I expressed: "I don't think I believe in the God of Christianity anymore," and ended with a Facebook post about deconversion, and an awkward, hard conversation at the … Continue reading The Traumatic Nature of Deconversion
A Letter to Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Dear Anxiety and PTSD-induced Panic Attacks, I hate you. No, I loathe you. You are the bane of my existence and the reason I can't enjoy the things that once brought me peace and happiness like God or writing or reading. Yes, even reading (don't ask, just know that it is horrendous). You make me … Continue reading A Letter to Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Viewing God Through the Lens of Trauma
Earlier today, I read through my friend Michael Patton's post "On Leaving My First Love" and found similarities between where he was years ago and where I find myself now. In it, he speaks of his life's difficulties, arguing with God, and finally coming to a place of surrender. I am somewhere between pulling myself … Continue reading Viewing God Through the Lens of Trauma
The Siren Song of Self-Harm
These past few weeks have been hard, especially Tuesday. Tuesday was a hellish day because it marked 4 years of dealing with the Beast that is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. You would think that after some time, especially with the introduction and implementation of coping mechanisms and breathing techniques, the Beast would get bored and go … Continue reading The Siren Song of Self-Harm
