“Faith is unseen but felt, faith is strength when we feel we have none, faith is hope when all seems lost.” Catherine Pulsifer once wrote these words. In her bio, the author says she always strives to contribute positively to those who seek change or need help.

This quote resonates deeper for individuals who have experienced an event or incident so traumatic that it shocked their entire being. 

Self-doubt is a powerful weapon. It plants the seed for dark thoughts to take root in the recesses of our minds, making us vulnerable and weak. We lose our way and our faith.

Consoling gestures may be little comfort. The pain’s too raw and your heart’s numb. 

How can you rebuild your faith in God following a traumatic event like a car accident? We’ll explain below.

Be Gentle with Yourself

You’ve been through a harrowing experience and have the emotional wounds to prove it. However, some people think they can forget about it and move on.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way, and one day when you’re sitting alone with your thoughts, your trauma catches up with you.

Pastoral coach and author F. Remy Diederich explains the first thing to do is recognize your trauma and not let it define you. Take control and turn the tables on playing the victim.

Instead, change the narrative to that of a survivor who came out unscathed, thanks to God’s grace. 

We know it’s easier said than done. Diederich says once you acknowledge your pain, you can take the next step of seeking help.

Accountability

Holding someone accountable for your pain can be cathartic, especially if they haven’t taken responsibility for the incident.

Let us consider the example of a car crash. Being the victim of a vehicle accident can be distressing. Besides worrying about how to pay your hospital bills and what happens next, you are on your own. What now?

Car accident laws differ from state to state. For instance, Missouri is an at-fault state, meaning drivers must cover medical expenses and damages if they cause an accident. 

The state requires at-fault drivers to carry liability insurance. 

St. Louis’ car accident fatality rate is also much higher than the national average and one of the biggest reasons is distracted driving. Earlier this year, an incident resulted in the death of a 34-year-old woman after a semi crashed into her vehicle. Because distracted driving was involved, the accused can be found guilty of negligence.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, a St. Louis personal injury attorney is your best bet to ensure you get proper legal representation. 

Pursuing a personal injury claim is not only about financial compensation. It’s also about feeling supported and heard. TorHoerman Law advises hiring a personal injury lawyer who offers personalized legal representation when dealing with personal injury cases.

Safe Harbor

Enlisting an experienced trauma counselor will get you the help you need. For all you know, you could be suffering from PTSD.

Trauma counseling gives you the tools to deal with your trauma in a non-destructive way. Psychologist Kelly Workman tells Verywell Mind that over 50% of people experience one traumatic event in their lives. That’s a shocking statistic.

Workman adds that not all trauma survivors face long-term negative effects. However, trauma can significantly impact psychological, social, physical, occupational, and financial well-being.

And that’s why it’s important to arm yourself with the toolbox to help you cope should a triggering episode occur.

Speak to The Lord

Sometimes when we’re suffering, we can only find the strength to mutter a word, even if it’s a simple “help.”

God in all His greatness sees your pleas and your lament. It’s only natural that you question His infinite wisdom. “Why me?” “Where were you?” “Have you forsaken me?” 

In a way, a lament is a prayer born of grief, sorrow, or trauma. Lament allows us to express our pain, confusion, and anguish before the Lord. Though often uncomfortable for modern Christians, it was once a common form of prayer.

There are other ways to engage with God. 

Mindfulness offers a gentle nudge back onto a spiritual path. All it entails is sitting silently with a mindfulness practitioner or counselor.

Some people may find it more comforting to practice journaling. Free-form journaling allows you to jot down your thoughts. Or you could do specific journal prompts like journal prayers to God.

One Step at a Time

Healing from a painful incident can come in many forms. As long as you have faith in a higher power, you have the strength to move on.

Be gentle with yourself and recognize your trauma. You’re a survivor, not a victim. Let that be your mantra.

Accountability can be a strong medicine, especially when someone else is responsible for your pain. Consult experienced attorneys about your injury claim.

Find a safe harbor in a non-judgmental setting like trauma counseling. Lastly, speak to the Lord, even in your darkest hours.