Lately the word "trigger" has been tossed around so much for just about everything, warranted or not. I cringe when I hear it. The other night I wrote at the top of my journal "Get RID of the word trigger!".
Every time it was said, my whole body became ill. Like a death sentence. "Pull the trigger!". I was becoming increasingly triggered by the actual word, "trigger".
This is a word I have used throughout my inner healing journey. I struggle with PTSD and this word is used most to describe when I end up vomiting, crying, or possibly rocking on the floor when something reminds me of a the trauma I experienced. This is a word I use when I walk through trauma and inner healing with others. We often post or say, "trigger warning" in the hopes of being respectful to those who have been through something so traumatic that our own story could cause them to spin out of control.
I want to encourage a new story.
The other day I sat with a friend and began to write a list of new words to use instead of trigger.
1) Bring about
2) Spark
3) to Generate
4) to Set in motion
I could not help but start to think that I (we) have been viewing this word all wrong! Warning away, being careful not to bring anything up and possibly even afraid of the consequences of "pulling the trigger".
God's way is not one of fear. For perfect love casts out all fear. We are saved by grace! The moment we accept that truth we can already begin the journey of inner healing. With Christ in and through us, who (what) can really be against us? Absolutely nothing!
During our time growing in Christ, if we are walking alongside community, and/or having a mentor, counselor or advisor, we then are fully surrounded enough to walk out the journey towards complete inner healing. This means being able to respond to triggers as something SET IN MOTION, generating newness, sparking life or bringing about a new way of thinking.
We are made in the image of God including all of our emotions. All things were made of him and through him. This includes the way we feel about something. My dear friend Sarah said to me, "Emotion out of pain equals healing".
The next time you feel "triggered" consider yourself set in motion to feel.
Ask God where he wants you journey and call on a safe person to walk with you in it.
Remember, YAHWEH is your soul's celebration! He has kissed your heart, crowned you with mercy, satisfied your desires and SUPER CHARGED your life to SOAR!!! Ps.103
Rita