Last week, we published "The Hope of Bodily Resurrection for Survivors of Trauma" by Jacob Young. Appropriately, for Holy Week, Young argues that the doctrine of the bodily resurrection is an irreplaceable part of our hope as Christians. This is especially true, he says, for those who have experienced trauma. Trauma leaves our bodies profoundly broken. The good news of the resurrection of Christ's body brings hope to all who experience the living death of surviving trauma.
Continuing this theme, we recommend that you read Matthew Spandler-Davison's article on 20schemes Equip called "How a Healthy Church Offers Hope for the Abused." In it, Spandler-Davison outlines the need for and the potential of churches to be safe environments for the survivors of abuse.
The church that Jesus has established is built and designed to be a place of refuge for broken sinners, not a hiding place for pedophiles and abusers. You see, Jesus has designed the church to be a place of healing, safety, hope, and light. The church is intended to be the safest place on earth for all who treasure the name of Jesus.
Perhaps you’re reading this because something terrible and traumatic happened to you when you were just a young child. It is difficult to talk about it, even as an adult. You wonder: Who will understand? What’s the point of bringing it up? It’s unbearably painful to revisit those memories, so why bother?
The truth is, though, deep down, you know that it has affected you.
Go read: "How a Healthy Church Offers Hope for the Abused" by Matthew Spandler-Davison.
