The Impossible, a movie about a family who survived a Tsunami, expresses the chaos of trauma. It showed how hopelessness drives into your heart, mind and soul; you can’t breathe or orient to normal anymore because it no longer exists. Sorrow overwhelms, pain penetrates and confusion plagues your mind with a sense of drowning. 

All of these emotions occupy your being as you consider the searing loss of “normal,” the scrolling thoughts of “how could this be?,” and the pain and confusion of “what now?” It leaves you exhausted and if you function at all, it is by sheer determination to survive.

As trauma hit our life a number of years ago I held tightly to Psalm 16:8 “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  The declaration of that verse has carried me through some of the darkest, most uncertain times of my life. There were times I’d cry it out into the darkness as I shook in fear of what tomorrow would bring. I screamed it as I pounded my steering wheel forcefully reminding God of HIS Word. And there were times I leaned into that truth when my earthly hopes seemed futile. 

Once again, our Sanctuary in Trauma team declares its truth.

January 2nd, sweet Sarah Lindsey, our friend and ministry partner, ran into the arms of Jesus. We watched her walk a journey of faithfulness even in the face of death; she didn’t fear losing this life because she knew Jesus has security wrapped in the eternal position He gives to those who know Him. 

We sorrow her loss, but rejoice that she is no longer suffering and is finally Home.

As we journey on we trust the promise of John 14:18, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” The Holy Spirit speaks peace; His Presence can be felt in the deepest places of sorrow and loss; and He continues to call us to set Him always before us so that we will not be shaken.

Rest in peace, sweet Sarah. Thank you for teaching us valuable lessons as you journeyed through.