Monday, March 4, 2013

OWEN WEDDLE



Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.



There are some of us who have experienced traumatic events in our lives. Trauma can either be a point of growth or disorder. When we

experience trauma, we feel like we have no control. Control helps in our recovery. But if we continue to identify ourselves as victims long after

the traumatic episode has past, we act as if we are not in control.

Part of the wisdom of Jesus' Gospel is that our redemption from suffering does not come from just a passive trust in God. The Gospel also

entails actively seeking to control how we act, even in the face of crisis and the fear of it happening again, because we trust God. We learn to

develop a sense of control in our lives. The person of faith does not continue to see themselves as a victim; instead, trauma brings growth. This

is why James 1:3-4 says “Consider it joy when you endure various trials because it produces endurance.” Deep faith allows us to cast aside the

victim label and grow into the person God calls us to be.



May God bless you!