Relationship with Others

Excerpt: Relationship with Others - Anxiety Session 8

Course: Freedom From Anxiety

Speakers: Matthias Barker, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Ben Horning, Rebekah Lyons

Healing Childhood Wounds: Community, Purpose, and Bravery

Anxieties linked to childhood wounds require a nuanced approach. While revisiting those experiences can be helpful, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for retraumatization. When memories flood the present, they often overwhelm our capacity for wisdom and reconciliation. We feel compelled to help the wounded version of ourselves, but attempting to do so without proper grounding can lead to further distress.

Establishing Stability: The Foundation for Healing

The first step in addressing these wounds is establishing stability. Just as you wouldn’t attempt to rescue a drowning person without a flotation device, you can’t effectively address trauma without a stable foundation. This foundation can take many forms: a pastor, mentor, therapist, or a supportive community. These individuals can provide grounding, reminding you of your values and helping you return to a place of calm.

The Power of Connection: Healing in Community

Our deepest wounds often stem from our most important relationships, and healing also occurs within those relationships. Humans are designed for deep, meaningful connections. Isolation, even amidst crowds, can exacerbate anxiety and vulnerability. We need to feel seen, valued, and connected to others.

One of the most potent avenues for healing is also one of the most challenging: vulnerability. Sharing our struggles with others can initiate a process of healing. This isn’t just about talking to God, but also about confiding in trusted individuals. Vulnerability breeds vulnerability, and courageously sharing your experiences can foster deeper connections and facilitate healing.

Redemptive Purpose: Finding Meaning in Pain

The impact of trauma is often mitigated by the level of community support. Sharing your pain can transform it into a source of redemptive purpose. God wants to use your experiences to heal others. Identifying this purpose can provide the motivation to move forward, day after day.

Living Fruitfully: Overflowing with Love and Trust

Receiving God’s love and trusting in His safety leads to an overflow of abundance, enabling us to love and trust others. We are reconciled to God not just for our own benefit, but to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, and patience to those around us. This involves being trustworthy, reliable, and committed, building relationships based on mutual trust.

Continuing the Journey: Community and Purpose

To continue on this journey of healing, prioritize community and purpose. Connect with friends, join a local church, and share your experiences. Find redemptive purpose in your pain, recognizing that God wants to use it to heal others. By embracing community and discovering your purpose, you can move forward with greater resilience and hope.

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

See the outline below and check out other sections from the Moving Through Trauma course.

Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

Understanding the Roots of Anxiety

Session 1

Video: Grounding Exercise - Grounded in the Present

Anxiety Stories

Video: What is Anxiety

Topics: Defining Anxiety; Responses to Anxiety

Session 2

Video: Grounding Exercise - Breathing in Hope

Video: Neuroscience of Anxiety

Video: The Experience of Anxiety

Topics: Neuroscience of Anxiety; Feelings Wheel; Anxiety Sweep

Session 3

Video: Blessing Prayer

Video: Reframing Anxiety

Video: Roots Discovery Process

Topics: Inner Voices; Critical Voices

Session 4

Video: Root Cause: Our Cultural Moment

Video: Root Cause: Spiritual Warfare

Topics: Cultural/Political/Racial Tensions; Spiritual Warfare; I Hear/God Says

Session 5

Video: Root Cause: Family of Origin & Wounds

Topics: Family of Origin Issues

Healing Through Relationships

Session 6

Video: Relationships of Trust

Video: Relationship with God

Video: Inner Healing Prayer

Topics: Trust; God; Prayer; Scripture

Session 7

Video: You are not your Anxiety

Video: Relationship with Self

Topics: Goals/Aspirations; Shame/Feeling Loved; Emotional Awareness

Session 8

Video: Relationship with Others

Video: The Journey Onward

Topics: Listening Triad; Sharing with Others

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Share The Struggle is an initiative of Taming Mustangs, a 501(c)3) Non-Profit