On Suffering

In my many studies (Both Academically and experientially), and in my personal interviews with people, (And my own personal experiences as a sufferer of the things I am now sharing) AND, as a Presently Anointed, Licensed and Degreed, “Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor” and “Temperament Therapist”; And a previously non-Religious Counselor), concerning, and (Particularly concerning) the Military Soldier’s that I am a member of and as my “Band of Brother” (I don’t excuse it but, Yes, it does sound overused). Also, I must acknowledge and include many others who also suffer these symptoms who were not Military Soldiers. I am not ignorant of them and do include them). After those respectful and legal statements, now I shall begin to expound my professional (And Personal) opinion on the topics of Suffering, PTSD, TBI, etc., as a fact and condition existing, but treatable with a new and different approach. I have discovered a few truths that may explain and help us. I would like to share my own research findings to all who are still looking for a way to deal with the terrible after-effects of war or traumatic injury. I do not have all the answers yet, but I do have some. And, unlike many professional therapist’s, I do not ask for anything in return. What God has given me (Although I have the right to charge for it) I will not charge. That was taught to me by my Mentor Paul. He lived the same way and so do I. First, if any of you reading my Blog are really trying to fight with some Secular Therapist’s and their tools exclusive of Spiritual tools, then you probably have found that their tools are lacking when it comes to relief (As I did). However, I do respect Secular Psychologist’s tools somewhat (Because I too have a Degree in Psychology) and also the Philosopher’s (And I have a Degree in that too). But, the missing element that even Religious Theologian’s claim to have (And, I also have a Degree in Theology) is escaping the unique and individual person who suffers from these painful symptoms. Here is where I can help fill the gap. In my opinion, the “Thing” that can really help has mostly been overlooked by the modern medical sciences and their methods. As a suffer myself, I discovered the real “Cure” quite by accident (Or, I should say, quite by the Grace of God). For example, once I went to a respected military psychologist/Psychiatrist and asked him in my first meeting why I was so depressed all the time. His reply was that, in his professional opinion, that my depression was my own fault, that I was angry at myself, and that it was a “Bad” thing. But, when I replied him that I had found depression a useful tool to bring me closer to my God he just scoffed and told me that he could not help me and to not return to him! Now, I ask you my friends, is that the way of mercy, kindness and compassion? Does that show an open mind? Is that scientific? I think not. Listen, depression (Acute or Chronic), PTSD (Now called PTSI, “I” being “Injury), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), etc. are WAR Injuries (Or, from any traumatic event) and must be accepted as a NEW part of the person who is experiencing the as “Normal” for them considering what has happened to them. The solution lies in the age old principle’s taught by Jesus Christ. Namely, Love, acceptance, comfort, encouragement, shared grieving and without telling the suffering person what they did wrong or what they should do to fix themselves (Why would they come to therapy if they could fix themselves?). In my best moments as a sufferer and counselor I have discovered the best treatment to be along the lines of: Give them a listening ear, hugs, and encouragement that their suffering has meaning. Meaning to people and meaning to God. I just let them know that I am available to help them (And do for them) whatever I can. I’ve noticed that in that simple way they seem to feel better! Well, of course! They now know that someone really cares that they suffer and that I too suffer like them. “There is no stronger bond between humans than a common bond” (That is my Credo). Jesus told us as believer’s we would suffer in THIS world. We believer’s suffer just as non-believer’s do, except we have one thing they do not have, HOPE. And, MEANING also in our suffering, they do not. The trick is to be able to turn our suffering Outward toward other’s who suffer as much or more than ourselves. In THAT is the “Cure” for our depression, etc. When we go to Christ we get His Holy Spirit and the Power of God to make our world a better place for ourselves and other’s. Your suffering is NOT your fault! Your suffering is NOT God’s fault! Your suffering came because you were trying to DO the RIGHT thing for the RIGHT reason! And you got hurt for it. That makes you a hero! Not a crippled or disabled or whatever label put on you by the Society. You are now just DIFFERENT and can choose to do things differently as God desires. Now is the time to introspect yourselves, check your motives, and discard the critics and MOVE AHEAD WITH CHRIST! Believe me, you will find more happiness in life if you do (And, eternal happiness later). I hope you will give Christ a “Try”. And, regardless of what you’ve been taught, “TRY” is NOT a four letter word. The Bible is full of those victorious and faulty and damaged people who just “Tried” and God made them successful. Would you like to be one too? OK, I will add more ideas later. But, please join and comment on our Blog. Blessings, Pastor Smitty