"This testimony was written by a friend of our ministry, Dan Philgreen. His precious wife, Esther, joined our SiT sessions periodically as her chronic illness would allow. She faithfully prayed for women learning lessons from the Lord in the midst of pain. Dan has graciously shared his wrestling and the hope he found in the
Trigger warning: This post discusses suicidal ideation (SI). Please read only if you think this could be helpful for your well-being. No matter your beliefs - whether you are a Christ-follower or not - the subject of suicidal ideation is deeply personal and often hard to talk about. Because it is often misunderstood, it is
I had been praying for this baby for almost a year. I had only known I was pregnant for a week. Then, on a Saturday night, I started experiencing extreme abdominal pain. I assumed it was a stomach bug. But by Sunday night, the pain was worse, and deep down, I knew something was seriously
In the first few months after the accident, I was still in shock. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that she was really gone. Denial acted like a buffer, keeping me from having to feel the full weight of it. It was too much, so I just kept moving, trying not to think
I often judge the Israelites in the Old Testament, especially when they wander in the wilderness after being freed from Egypt. Didn’t God just provide for them a chapter ago, and now they’re complaining again? Why? How could they forget so easily? But then I’m reminded of that verse about judging others before examining yourself—something
As I sat in my office, my heart began to race, and the room felt like it was spinning. But all my co-worker had said was a simple, “Hey” as she walked into the room. Why did that trigger such a response in me? I had been living with trauma for a while, and life
Throughout my life, I’ve experienced seasons of trauma and prolonged stress, and one thing has become clear: it’s utterly exhausting. The exhaustion doesn’t just come during the trauma—it often hits hardest afterward. I used to get so frustrated with myself, thinking I was just being lazy. Some days, even getting out of bed felt like
Every communication consists of at least one sender, a receiver, and a message. Here's an example of what this looks like. Years ago, I (the sender) attempted to have a conversation with someone I knew (the receiver). She was abrupt and intimidating and would resort to bullying to get her way. So, I decided to
In the course of human experience, trauma emerges as a complex response to fractured realities. It's a storm that disrupts life's steady rhythms, leaving individuals to grapple with feelings of hopelessness, fear, and lack of self-worth. The aftermath of trauma extends beyond emotional turbulence. Unpredictable emotions, haunting flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms become
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:2–5 Lament allows
Utilizing empathy, practical tools and Biblical truths, we offer a safe space for rest and renewal for women in trauma.
CONTACT
PO Box 7141
Romeoville IL 60446
331.980.0150
info@sanctuaryintrauma.org