You Can Overcome ~
Famed writer Akshay Dubey once stated; “Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life.” In this regard, I think of the scripture that says, “You, dear children, are from God……the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (I John 4:4 NIV). Knowing this, we can overcome the pitfalls and snares that plague us on the road to recovery.
We in the body of Christ are not exempt from pain, sorrow, and even the effects of current and past addictions. Recovery from trauma, addictions, and abuse is often difficult and in many respects, life-changing. Perhaps the greatest impediment to recovery from varying trauma, is the struggle with memory. Former alcoholics and drug addicts often say that the smell of alcohol or marijuana brings them back to a place emotionally where they simply do not want to be. It conjures up too many bad memories. If you are struggling with recovering from past trauma or addiction, know that it is ok to acknowledge struggling with memories from the past. Many of the thoughts that we have are often involuntary and can be triggered by a picture, a headline or even visiting a physical place associated with the trauma or dysfunction.
Proverbs 4:25 NIV exhorts, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” As you heal from trauma or addiction, focus on the path that you are walking now and remain fixated with where Christ is taking you. I often say, most car accidents occur when we take our eyes off of the roadway. Similarly in life, looking too long in the proverbial “rear view mirror” can lead to collision in our lives. Our past does not have to control our future.
Sometimes praying and meditating on God is not enough to overcome a past abuse or trauma. The People of God must know and understand that it is ok to visit a therapist or clinician to assist in overcoming trauma and abuse in order to stay in a place of recovery. As much faith as I have, if I break my leg, I am going to see an orthopedic doctor. If my mind is compromised because I have been abused or I may have damaged myself with drug abuse, then God knows it is ok to seek the services of a clinician or therapist. This does not show a weakness of faith. The People of God often struggle with overcoming addictions and trauma because we limit ourselves and do not take advantage of the tools to assist us in the world of psychological and clinical intervention. For far too long, the People of God have abused the scripture, “keep your mind stayed on him and he will keep you in perfect peace.”
For years I struggled with eating properly and overcoming obesity. I essentially used food not so much for nourishment but to soothe pain and trauma. Despite being a Christian who loves the Lord, I needed help. Now, I see a nutritionist regularly and attend counseling for accountability. I am seeing results!
If you are struggling to recover from past trauma or pain, no matter what form it manifested, consider the following:
- Accept that the dysfunction occurred;
- If abused, the shame does not belong to you, but to your abuser;
- If you abused drugs or alcohol, you are not your abused substance;
- Take active, accountable steps to facilitate healing;
- Refrain from visiting trigger places (places where you used drugs) if you are able;
- Identify what makes you happy, safe and wanting to maintain sobriety or good mental health;
- Don’t isolate yourself; and
- Remember that God makes all things new.
This promise from God is for you loved one; “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” Joel 2:25 NIV. Remember once more, He makes all things new!
Elder Jerome Woods, II is the husband of Alana M. Woods and is the son of the late Jerome Woods, Sr. and Larina Woods. He is a Washington, D.C. native and associate Elder at High Calling Ministries pastored by George W. Hawkins, Jr. Elder Woods is a graduate of The George Washington University (1994) where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with minors in Sociology and Latin Classical Humanities. Elder Woods received his Juris Doctorate in 1997 from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
