Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis has emerged in its shadow—trauma. Millions of people are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder which often indicate trauma. Trauma is a wound of the heart and mind that causes deep suffering. It hurts every part of us: our relationships, our bodies, our thoughts, and our faith.

But God is with everyone who suffers. He feels their pain and wants to help them heal.

Responding to the Trauma of COVID-19

Healing from trauma is hard. But God’s Word offers healing and hope. That’s why American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing Institute created Trauma Healing Basics. Trauma Healing Basics are simple, practical resources that help people learn about trauma and start to heal. It includes three resources: 3 Questions to Ask Someone Who is Hurting, The Safe Listener’s Promise, and Beyond Disaster: A Survivor’s Guide. Trauma Healing Basics combines mental health best practices with the wisdom of the Bible. It’s designed to help people learn more about:

• What trauma is
• The symptoms of trauma
• What helps people begin their healing journey
• Ways to provide safer spaces for those who are suffering

The wonderful thing about these resources is that anyone can use them! You don’t need any training. They can be used by anyone suffering trauma or anyone who feels called to help others cope with their deepest pain.

Our desire is for God to heal trauma caused by COVID-19. That’s why we’re inviting you to join us as we pray that these resources will be widely used to bring the healing power of God’s Word to so many who need it.

Let’s Pray Together

Father, thank you that you walk with us in our pain. Thank you for being near in moments of indescribable anguish. We pray for those suffering traumas resulting from the pandemic that they’ll experience your nearness. We ask you to comfort them and heal their brokenness. We also pray that the Trauma Healing Basics resources will help many people encounter the healing found in your Word.