The media gave us glimpses of how various people responded – a dazed, soot covered woman finds herself 22 miles from the World Trade Center, unable to account for how she got there; a grief stricken husband carries a picture of his wife to show passersby, as he desperately searches for her; a New York doctor weeps uncontrollably, and then goes back to “ground zero” to see if there is anyone else he can help.

How can our families and we cope with the trauma and tragedy like what happened on September 11th and what we might encounter in the days ahead? Let’s consider some ways to tend to trauma.

RELEASE YOUR FEELINGS. Don’t keep them bottled up on lash or lash out in anger and revenge. We must open up or eventually we may blowup or fold-up. Desiring to bring justice and combating evil is biblical, but hating is not. Tell a friend how you feel, but also tell God. He understands. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT)

REASSURE YOUR CHILDREN. They can sense fear, anger, and insecurity. Let them know that feeling unsafe is common after traumatic things happen. Don’t overload your children with fear or viewing scenes of graphic violence. Remind them and yourself that nothing happens out of God’s control. God can take what was meant for evil and bring good out of it. God will judge and deal with evildoers.

REASSESS DIFFICULT SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS. Why do bad things happen to good people? Trauma can cause us to become bitter or better acquainted with God as we seek Him and search the scriptures for answers. God doesn’t want us to stay in the dark, but come into the light. A little book that has helped me tremendously is, “When You Lose Someone You Love” by Richard Exley, Albury publishing.

REASSURE YOUR FAMILY WITH GOD’S WORD. The Psalms bring comfort and hope to light. His Word brings peace to our mind and tells us not to fear or be anxious. The Scriptures remind us that evil will not prevail and justice will be served. Read Psalm 23, 46, 84, 91; Matthew 6, Philippians 4:4-9, and John 14. God’s Word will develop trust and faith in God.

REESTABLISH YOUR ROUTINES. Our bodies must be renewed. We must eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Do a leisure activity to redirect. While after going through a trauma things may never be the same, we must go on in life. Reestablishing regular routines can help us do that.

RENEW YOUR SPIRIT BY PRAYER. Prayer renews and refreshes the soul. King David made a grievous mistake that severed his fellowship with God for a time. A prayer of repentance and renewal brought restoration and joy back to his life. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of They salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12, NASB) We need a steadfast spirit. Through prayer we can wait on God who will renew our strength and cause us to “mount up as eagles.” (Isaiah 40: 26-31) For spiritual power, pray the Lord’s Prayer in faith and sincerity. (Matthew 6: 9-15) Pray for leaders and loved ones.

Recovery from trauma is a process. We need time to heal. As President Bush said, “We must be patient.” We must be patient with ourselves and with others. “…In hope; patient in tribulation.” (Romans 12:12) “You too be patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (See James 5:7,8) That’s our hope.

Tending to trauma that brings healing is really an inside job. It starts when you invite Christ into your life by receiving Him as Savior, Lord and Shepard of your soul. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)