Betrayal trauma is real and all too prevalent among pastors and ministry leaders in this season. So, too, is its pain. When we ignore it or try to power through it, we inadvertently prolong the heightened anxiety it causes. But being aware of it, understanding how it lingers in the more primitive parts of our brain, and seeing its long-lasting effects on emotions, thoughts, behaviors and friendships will help with healing.
While it hurts to have friends walk away, working through the experience of betrayal trauma can make us more resilient, draw us closer to loved ones, make us better friends, and deepen our dependence on God. As with so much else in life, God can redeem it for his good purposes.
Recommended Books on Trauma
* Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors by Michelle Keener (IVP Academic)
* Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish by Nicholas Rowe and Sheila Wise Rowe (IVP)
* Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You’re Wounded, Weary, and Wandering by Chuck DeGroat (Tyndale)
* I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t: Moving Forward When You’re Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment by Lysa TerKeurst (Thomas Nelson)
* Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care by Eliza Huie (Harvest House)
* The Trauma Tree: Going Beyond Survival, Growing Toward Wholeness by Lisa Saruga (Kregel)
* Understanding Trauma: A Biblical Introduction for Church Care by Steve Midgley (The Good Book Co.)
