The other day, I was reading a book that a friend gave me. I read the first few pages and was getting more and more troubled by what I was reading. I felt like the author had misstated some things in Church history. I read some more of the book and I felt like the author was manipulating me.
What type of heresy had my friend given to me. I had to protect my friend. I opened my Erdman’s Church History, I was looking up scriptures and I was putting a lot of energy into establishing the truth. The next morning, I realized that I was scared. I took a deep breath and prayed.
My reaction was bigger than what the situation called for, I was triggered. My reaction wasn’t about the book, it was about the pain and the scare from the abusive Church that I was a part of thirty years ago. Seeing that the pain was still there allowed me to open this raw and tender place in my heart to the Lord. I was able to receive His peace and comfort.
No longer triggered, I was able to approach my friend with curiosity, (instead of defensiveness) and ask him what it was about the book that he enjoyed. He shared with me what he enjoyed about the book. Because I had been triggered as I read the book, I hadn’t even noticed the gifts that he got from the book.Instead of a battle, we were able to connect.
The next time you are sitting at Church listening to the message or reading a book and suddenly you have a strong reaction to the message. You might be triggered. Take a deep breath, maybe two or three and ask The Lord to show you what your reaction is all about.
Paying attention to your reaction will be a wonderful gift to yourself. And it will bring you into a deeper connection with the Lord.
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