*I am not a therapist or counselor, and I am explaining my own personal experience. If you are struggling with trauma, I would encourage you to see a trained professional for help.

My mind begins to go over that one particularly distressing memory. In this moment, forgiveness only does so much to erase its power on me. The dull ache presses up into my chest, making it difficult to breathe. Like a panicked hare, my thoughts jump haphazardly from one thought to the next. As I focus in on one element of the trauma too long…hard glitch. My tic comes in hard and fast. Glitch. Jump. Focus. Glitch. Jump. Focus. With every jump and tic, I spiral more into the anxious pattern. My heart rate begins accelerating, causing me to overheat quickly, and my hands twitch nervously in my lap. And then… a quiet reminder:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Think about such things. Yes, think about what is lovely… my heart is finding it difficult, but I will try. Today I can start small. What, my friends, is lovely today?

The crisp blue Alberta sky. The fluffy white clouds drifting lazily by. The bare oak branches reaching heavenward. The clear winter sunshine. The small birds flitting in the trees. And yes, the small gentle reminders that even in this pain, I have a faithful heavenly Father who sees and shares in it all.

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Where in your life have you felt the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit lately?

Much love,

Sarah