Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
The path to wholeness is a universal human desire, but for women, it can be particularly complex. Societal pressures, emotional burdens, and past hurts can leave us feeling fractured. This journey towards becoming whole, however, finds deep resonance within the teachings of many faiths, particularly Christianity.
Through a connection with God, women are able to walk further on their road to healing, rediscovering, or uncovering the strength and peace that resides within.
A Woman’s Work Is God’s Work
Women are often the emotional anchors of their families and communities. We carry burdens – the weight of relationships, the anxieties of raising children, the challenges of navigating careers and personal lives. These pressures, coupled with past traumas like abuse, loss, or societal expectations, can leave us feeling broken. Shame, self-doubt, and a sense of inadequacy can creep in, creating a disconnect from our true selves.
The Bible acknowledges this brokenness in Psalm 34:18:
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Healing After Trauma: The Power of Faith
The first step towards wholeness lies in acknowledging this brokenness and surrendering it to a higher power. Through praying, we can find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.
Healing after trauma is possible through God.
Photo by Alex Green
Reading scripture offers guidance and inspiration. Stories of strong women in the Bible, like Esther or Deborah, remind us of the power and resilience inherent in femininity.
A core principle of Christianity is forgiveness. Holding onto anger and resentment towards ourselves or others only perpetuates the cycle of pain. By choosing to forgive, we release ourselves from the emotional prison these burdens create.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Healing After Trauma: Strength in Community
No woman is an island. Finding a community of women who are keenly aware of the particular challenges we encounter daily and at some points in life offers us a solid and anchor-like source of support.
Sharing these experiences, offering encouragement, and praying together fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens our resolve.
Healing After Trauma: Embracing Your Worth
A core aspect of healing is rediscovering your worth. Because we are made in the image of God, we are inherently worthy of love and respect. Through prayer and reflection, we can begin to see ourselves the way God sees us: strong, capable, and deserving of happiness. Developing a healthy self-image allows us to set boundaries, make positive choices, and pursue our passions.
Healing after trauma is possible through God.
Photo by nappy
Living a Purposeful Life Under God
Wholeness comes not just from healing but also from living a life of purpose. Many women find this purpose through service to others. The Bible is filled with examples of women who used their gifts to make a difference in the world. Finding ways to volunteer, mentor, or simply offer kindness to those in need allows us to connect with something larger than ourselves and experience the joy of giving.
The path to wholeness is not a linear one. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and renewed challenges. However, by nurturing our connection with God, we develop the resilience to navigate these obstacles. Prayer, scripture study, and a supportive community become the tools we use to pick ourselves up and continue our journey.
The Path to Wholeness
The journey with God is ultimately a transformative one. As we heal, forgive, and embrace our worth, we become the best versions of ourselves. We become strong, compassionate women who can navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. We become beacons of hope and inspiration for others. This is the essence of becoming whole – living a life that is authentic, purposeful, and filled with the love and peace that comes from a deep connection with the Divine.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
By taking these steps and nurturing your connection with God, you can embark on a powerful journey of healing and wholeness.
Learn more about the strength of women and their resilience in Testaments from Survivors: Women Healed and Whole by Tish Barnhardt, a transformational author and lover of God’s word. Grab a copy here.
