abstract |
Childhood trauma has a long-lasting effect on one's adult life, including church life. Whether it be a look, a sound, or a gesture from someone's childhood, it can bring debilitating effects. The memories from a traumatic event (or events) from childhood can bring on fear, insecurities, lack of self-confidence, doubt, anger, violence, depression, isolation, and loneliness.
As a child who experienced such trauma, I know first-hand the crippling insecurities that develop from a poor self-image, and a fear of being alone and speaking up. However, I have learned how a caring, well-prepared, and organized faith-based support group with the love of God and God's Word coming forth from its members, can foster positive growth in oneself. This faith-based support group can positively affect adults who experienced childhood trauma physically, mentally, and spiritually. Using the tools of genuine hospitality with a non-judgmental acceptance of God's adult children can change behaviors stemming from childhood trauma and help them acquire a sense of belonging in a safe, non-threatening environment where all can feel understood, valued, and accepted for who they are. Also, using Scripture can help people to realize they are not alone and that God loves them and is always with them.
This faith-based group aims to allow participants to feel God's love in themselves and others and restore hope for their future. The goal of this project is for adults affected by childhood trauma to aspire to a future that permeates individuals not covered in fear, anxiety, or loneliness but in God's love moving forward, building a loving community of hope.
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