Ordinary People With Extraordinary Hurts

I met some people recently, who are the poster children for why I wrote, Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over. Ordinary people with extraordinary hurts, many leading to PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

• Two of the women I stayed with, who offered host homes for my speaking circuit in Iowa, Sandra and Louise, lost their husbands just over a year ago.
• Another woman I met just moved into government subsidized housing, after the company she worked for almost twenty years, closed down. Her new fast food job barely puts food on the table for she and her eleven year old son.
• And then there was the radio interviewer, Neil Boron of WCDX Radio’s Lifeline for a nationally syndicated program, whose friend committed suicide last year. (You can listen to the show here.)

But there are other people closer to home dealing with issues just as daunting.

• The family who has been searching for their lost son/nephew/grandson/cousin, since July 9, 2015. This thirteen-year-old has autism, making him harder to reach, even if he is spotted. Human hype within the ranks of those searching has set up and let down the family’s hope, adding to the complexity.
• A young mother whose only child died. She now feels broken and void of purpose or drive…getting out of bed requires monumental energy.
• A family with four children, who lost their home to fire. Yes, they are thankful to be alive, but they still mourn the loss of mementos, memories, and memorabilia from a child who left Earth before them.

These are the kinds of common traumas many every day people face. Examples of things the human heart learns to get through, but will never get over on this side of Heaven.

But how do you get through to a place where pain-filled people can laugh yet again? One thing that’s helped me, is knowing I’m not alone. When I read or hear about those who’ve experienced great adversity, traumatizing events, or broken hearts, I realize, if they can survive and learn to thrive, then there’s hope for me.

Also, I’ve tried a lot of things, and many have offered temporary or partial remedies, but the only real treatment I’ve found for my traumatized spirit, is taking Jesus’ hand and following His proven prescription. I share both, the practical and spiritual, in Getting Through.

The Insider Insights I share at the end of each chapter of Getting Through came from real people who’ve survived really tough times. This is where the Emotional Healing, Practical Help, Spiritual Comfort, and Guided Prayers originated — from those who know what dark valleys feel like.

In the midst of our most excruciating moments, there’s one powerful thing many of us have found to help. Music that speaks the truth of Jesus’ redeeming ability, of the Holy Spirit’s comforting peace, and of God’s healing desire.

I find it fascinating that in the Bible we see a secret tied to music. “And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away..” 1 Samuel 16:23 (NLT)

From ancient days, God has used the words He penned in the Bible to teach us how to survive the impossible. He has used healing music to soothe our souls and strengthen our weary spirits. And with today’s technology, both are readily available to ordinary people with extraordinary hurts.

I don’t know what you’re going through today, but odds are, it’s something. I pray for you, that amid the pain and confusion, you see blessings through your teardrops. I pray you find healing under the layers of your wounds. May your brokenness reflect the love of Jesus Christ, who endured more than any one of us can possibly imagine. All for the sake of love. All for ordinary people enduring extraordinary hurt. We are not alone.

Anita Brooks motivates others to dynamic break-throughs. Blending mind, heart, body, and spirit, as an Inspirational Business/Life Coach, International Speaker, and Common Trauma Expert.

Anita is also an award-winning author. Her titles include Golden Scroll Finalist and Amazon best seller: Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over, Barbour Publishing, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market, Leafwood Publishing, Death Defied-Life Defined: A Miracle Man’s Memoir, and contributor to The Change: Insights Into Self Empowerment Book #4. Her books are available at major and independent bookstores, Amazon, plus several online retailers.

She fulfills her mission to help 21st century women and men make fresh starts with fresh faith by sharing what she’s learned through experience, interviews, and research. Anita shares hope and encouragement on her Fresh Faith Inspirations podcast.

Anita’s favorite pastime is watching sunsets with her husband of 30 years, while they laugh and dip their toes in the water. Her favorite passion is inspiring others to transform battles into victories.

You can connect with Anita on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Keep up with Anita’s latest happenings at anitabrooks.com. Email anita@anitabrooks.com to request information on having Anita inspirationally speak or train at your next event.