Understanding Trauma: The Magnolia

This is trauma.

This magnolia is stately and old. It matches, in height, the other trees around it. Its white blooms are beautiful and bring a fresh smell to any room. The tree serves a purpose, holding the old wooden swing my dad built with his own hands – a swing that both his children and grandchildren used.

The public side of the tree draws your eye – epitomizing the Old South – not only grand and beautiful but also useful.

The back tells its trauma story.

Hit by lightning, this old tree is suffering as it struggles to maintain its perfect appearance on the front. It uses all of the energy it can muster to withstand the harsh thunderstorm winds we are known for. It fights to survive weeks of drought with blistering heat. It does its best to remain beautiful, stately, and functional, giving back to everyone who comes in contact with it. It gives beauty through its blooms, a pleasant calmness through its aroma, and strength through holding children as they play on the old swing.

That’s trauma.

We exert a lot of energy to stay consistently presentable, straining against fundamental life issues without letting on that we are struggling. We continue to function by being helpful and creating an atmosphere pleasing to everyone else, even though it is debilitatingly difficult.

The pain of trauma is valid as it changes you and weakens you.

But…..the God who created you understands.

He knows your trauma story because he was there. He knows the secret struggles you are trying to hide and is loving yet powerful enough to heal.

It may take time, but He will heal you. One layer at a time.