Upwards Forward

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally
forward in whatever way they like.”
~ Lao Tzu

Exactly 365 days ago, to this very minute, I was hurling through the air and tumbling on pavement. I do not remember all of those violent seconds, but I experience the reverberations every day. It is not, and has not, been easy. (Story of the accident).

But for preparation, the protection of the True God, and loving support from others, I’d either be dead, crippled and/or living under a bridge drinking a “40” alone.

Thankfully, I am not.

I am stoked for life, sharing special moments with others,  and I have the privilege of serving with Slingshot and Mortarstone.

“Trauma has been covered in a veil of myths over the years,” writes Pistorello, Follette, and Hayes in Finding Life Beyond Trauma. “Often people do not want believe that trauma happens as frequently as it does, and many people do not want to believe what a large impact it has on individuals, families, and society at large.”

• 70% of the adult population experiences trauma at some point in their lives (Breslau 2002)
• 1 out of 6 of women is raped in her lifetime (Benner, McMahon, and Douglas 1999)
• 60% of men reported trauma (Kessler 1995)
• 4-16% of males reported sexual molestation or abuse (Dong 2003)

Change and trauma will come. Will I be ready? Will you?

• What can you do today to prepare spiritually, physically, financially, relationally?
• As an employer or co-worker, how can you prepare and protect your workers and the organization?
• Have you written-out instructions, bank information, web passwords, etc. for a trusted other?
• Who would be a faithful friend and support to you through trauma?
• How will you consider and respond to others that report trauma?