Trauma is Real but Love is the Answer
Trauma leaves its mark. It wounds deeply, altering how we see ourselves, others, God, and the world around us. Whether it stems from loss, betrayal, abuse, or rejection, trauma tells us a story—a false one. It whispers that we are alone, unloved, and beyond repair.
But Love tells a different story.
The world offers temporary coping mechanisms—numbing, distraction, self-protection—but none of these truly heal. True restoration only comes through Love Himself—God.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)
No matter how broken we feel, Love is relentless in redeeming and restoring us. He does not shy away from our pain. Instead, He steps into it, gathering every shattered piece and weaving them into something beautiful. His love is not passive or conditional—it is a force, actively healing, and rewriting the narrative of our lives.
The Impact of Trauma on Identity
Trauma is not just about the event—it is about the messages it embeds in us. It distorts how we see ourselves, others, reality, and even God. It tells us we are unworthy, unseen, or too damaged to be loved. These lies wrap themselves around our hearts like chains, keeping us bound in shame and fear.
The enemy of our souls thrives on this deception. His goal has always been to separate us from Love—to convince us that we are beyond God’s reach. But the truth? We have never been separated from Love—not for a moment.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, NIV, emphasis added)
Even when we feel lost, even when trauma has skewed our perspective, Love remains.
God is in the business of reunion and wholeness, calling us back to the truth of who we are—His beloved children/His spotless adored Bride/His close friend!
God as Love: The Ultimate Healer
Healing doesn’t come from striving—it comes from encountering Love, Himself.
Scripture tells us plainly: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, NIV, emphasis added) This is not just a characteristic of God—it is His very essence.
Where Love is, healing flows.
Jesus, the exact representation of Love, walked among the broken and made them whole. He touched lepers, ate with outcasts, restored dignity to the shamed, and gave sight to the blind. He never turned away from the wounded—instead, He drew them in.
One of my favorite stories is of the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She was considered unclean, an outcast. But when she reached out in faith and touched the hem of Jesus’ robe, He turned to her—not to scold or condemn, but to affirm her identity:
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34, NIV, emphasis added)
Jesus didn’t just heal her body—He restored her identity. She was no longer “unclean” or “unworthy.” She was daughter.
His love isn’t just a comforting idea—it’s Who He is—tangible and experiential Who transforms lives. He reaches into the deepest wounds, rewrites the lies we have believed, and restores us to wholeness. He is still doing this today. He is still healing, still redeeming, and still calling us back to Love.
No matter what trauma has told you, Love has the final word.
You are not broken beyond repair.
You are not your brokenness.
You are seen, known, and fiercely loved.
And healing is already in motion.
Love Rewrites the Narrative of Trauma
Shame says, “You’re unworthy.” Love says, “You’re my beloved, beyond price. You are worthy because you are Mine! You/circumstances/poor behavior cannot change My opinion of you for I know who you truly are!”
Fear says, “You’re alone.” Love says, “I’ll never leave you. Your circumstances/poor behavior cannot separate Me from you!”
Hopelessness says, “You’ll never heal.” Love says, “I make all things new; healing and wholeness is inevitable as you follow Me!”
The lies of trauma hold us hostage, reinforcing the pain we’ve endured and the lies we have made trauma mean. But Love steps in and rewrites the story. When we encounter Love, Truth takes root, and the chains of trauma lose their grip. Jesus said:
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NIV)
Understand, knowing Truth is intimately knowing a Person in our inner person, Who is Love and is masterful at setting us free!
Freedom doesn’t mean the past didn’t happen—it means it no longer defines or has a hold over us. Love heals us from the inside out, restoring what was lost, stolen, or broken. His presence breathes new life into places that once felt dead.
Restoring Identity: Seeing Ourselves Through Love’s Eyes
Healing isn’t just about getting past the pain—it’s about rediscovering who we were created to be—who we eternally are. Trauma may have tried to bury, mar, distort, or erase our true identity; but Love restores the masterpiece—the poetry of who we are, that God originally designed.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
You were not created to carry the weight of trauma. You were made in Love’s image, and nothing can erase that imprint. The lies that trauma tells us are no match for the Truth of God as the Word— as Love!
The Journey of Healing Through Love
Healing is a journey, not a destination. It unfolds as we continually surrender to Love. Here are some key steps:
- Intimacy with God: Spending time in His presence, soaking in His love through worship, prayer, and meditation on His Word.
- Community & Safe Relationships: Healing often comes through the love of others who reflect God’s heart. Surrounding ourselves with safe, loving people is essential. We will not heal outside of community—at least one trust-worthy person. Often we need dedicated counselors, coaches, and mentors to shortcut/ease/and empower the process.
- Renewing the Mind: Replacing trauma’s lies with Love’s truth by immersing ourselves in Spirit-led/bathed and properly interpreted scripture and speaking God’s promises over our lives.
- Allowing Love to Lead: Yielding to the Holy Spirit’s gentle work of restoration and trusting Him to guide our healing process.
Conclusion: You Are Worthy of Love & Healing
No trauma is too deep for Love to reach and hell. Your past, wounds, and trauma do not define you—Love does.
Healing is not about erasing the past but allowing God to redeem it. Today is an invitation to step into healing, into Love, into wholeness.
Take a moment to ask God: “How do You see me?” Then listen. Let His voice wash over you.
“I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5, NIV, emphasis added)
It’s time to embrace healing. It’s time to step into Love.
With Love,
Catherine Toon