"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."--I Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV)
Childhood trauma wounds and mars a child's developing sense of self. At the point of trauma, when a child's sense of safety, security, worth, value, and importance is compromised, negative thoughts and core beliefs begin to take form. If not addressed, these thoughts and beliefs may be carried into adulthood.
Traumatic events do not define us. However, the wounded child part of us may believe whole-heartedly that the event is a defining moment. These core beliefs can be very challenging to dismantle as adults because the wounded child within us believes, relives, and replays events. The wounded part of us will even offer reminders if there is an attempt to break free of false beliefs. For example, internal thoughts like, "Remember, nobody will ever love you" or "Your dad left because you were bad" or "Remember, this person hurt you and nobody believed you--you are a liar".
It is possible to leave the place of wounding and develop a belief system that is not rooted in trauma, but rather truth. It is possible to be well in our soul; no longer plagued by reminders. I Corinthians 13:11 illustrates the transition from the perspective of a child to the perspective of an adult. It involves a willful, volitional decision to "put away" or deprive of power, render inactive, or sever the perspective of child-like speech, thinking, and understanding. When we no longer allow the wounded child part of us to be at the wheel of our hearts, we are ready to begin our journey to health, wholeness, healing, and wellness. We are on our way to abundant living (John 10:10)
One of the ways we begin our journey is by counteracting the constant rehearsal of negative thinking by meditating and praying the truth of God's word. This is a spiritual discipline. The more we practice this principle, the more our minds become renewed (Romans 12:2), thereby changing our thinking and perspective. Here are two examples of how one may pray and meditate on the scriptures:
- "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light..."--I Peter 2:9(KJV)
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you have called me out of the darkness of abuse and trauma into your light--which is love, peace, safety, security, and acceptance. I thank you that you say I am chosen, royal, holy, and unique. I am special. I am a person of worth, value, and importance. May the truth of your word hit my heart. Amen
- "Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame."--Zephaniah 3:19(KJV)
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you have not forgotten me. Thank you for your promise to undo all that has afflicted me--the shame, the hurt, the embarrassment, the lack of regard. You are undoing feelings of insecurity and worthlessness. Thank you for bringing me to a place of wellness in my soul. Amen and so be it according to your word.
If this resonates with you, and you would like additional prayer or supportive counseling, please contact us at lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call 1.866.460.8976.
