The Trauma can Make You Bitter or Better

I have seen a lot of people who have made their trauma the reason for the life they are living. Some people are doing a lot of great things, impacting society, and when you ask them, they will tell you it is based on the experiences they have had in life.

On the other hand, some people are a problem to themselves, society, and the world at large. If you investigate, they will tell you it is because of what has happened to them.

Now, I will tell you a story from the Bible about Joseph, whose brothers were the architects of the journey of his life. They sold him into slavery for no reason, simply because he was loved, and they abandoned him there for years. What kind of siblings are those? They did not feel guilty; they did not feel bad. They went on living their normal lives

Because of their actions, Joseph encountered even greater challenges. He went from being a slave to being imprisoned, where he spent years and was forgotten by those he had helped. Yet eventually, his journey became more beautiful.

You can find that story in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 50, we are told that when the brothers eventually realized their errors, they went to apologize to Joseph. He told them, “I believe this event is part of my journey and was orchestrated by God,” and because of that, he forgave his brethren.

Was it painful? Yes.Was it a difficult time for Joseph? Yes.

But he did not allow his experience to change who he really was. Joseph did not begin to do well only when he became a governor in Egypt. Even after being sold into slavery, while he was in Potiphar’s house, he refused to bow to the pressures of life, despite having no one to support him.

He could have said, “After all, nobody loves me. They have sold me out,” and used that as an excuse to do whatever he liked. Yet he still maintained his integrity and character. Even when he was in prison, he remained faithful to who he was. He was such a good man that he was made the head of the prisoners, and he continued helping people. He interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and cupbearer even before he received his own testimony.

So why did I tell you this story? It is simply because you should not allow trauma to sit in the driver’s seat of your life.

Trauma has an innate ability to push our lives in a negative direction because of the hurt and pain it brings. It naturally steers us toward negativity and pessimism. But because trauma is not meant to be the driver of your life, you must take charge of your life yourself.

So, beloved, whatever you are going through or have gone through, sit down and talk to yourself.

What kind of life do you want to live?

What kind of person do you want to be known as?

What kind of things do you want to do with your life?

It is never too late. Your trauma may become your testimony. Your trauma may become your journey. Your trauma may become your story. But it should never become your definition.

Re-channel and re-process those experiences. Channel your energy into positivity and let your story contribute to a better life for other people.

If you need help navigating and process trauma, kindly seek professional help. Really, visiting a counselor as regards this is worth all of the effort. You may need a hand to hold you on the journey of healing, recovery, and rest.

Your trauma can actually be the reason you make an impact in the world, and your trauma can also be the reason you become a problem to your society.

Choose your “B”:

Better or bitter.

God bless you.