Frauke C. Schaefer > Quotes

“Acknowledging and voicing uncomfortable emotions is essential for dealing constructively with trauma-related distress. Unfortunately, that is not a characteristic of all present-day conservative Christian churches or organizations. There may be expectations that those who are “right with Christ” and have “enough faith” do not have negative feelings. Consequently, people expressing sorrow, pain, sadness, doubt, or anger (in the American context often described as “negative” emotions) can attract disapproval or even condemnation from fellow believers.”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God

“God also worked on my heart to help me realize that traumatic events are not easily fixed and healing takes time. Before then, I thought that Christians could, and should, be able to overcome their challenges and setbacks through prayer, Bible-reading, and a little bit of time. Having grown up in a safe environment and community at home, and having never experienced a crisis or trauma, this was the simple perspective I had. “Get over it,” sums up how I felt. The months of processing taught me to accept and not judge other people who have been through trauma. So now I tell them, “Take your time,” instead of “get over it.” I’ve also learned that leaders must have patience as people process trauma because God is in no hurry.”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God

“The Bible does not compare nor minimize any form of human hardship, as is wise for us to do. If it is difficult for you, then it is indeed a difficulty.”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God

“Prior to this I did not believe that a Christian would ever become suicidal. I believed that trust in Christ would be adequate protection against that level of despair. What I didn’t realize was the potential for pain to block one’s awareness of the presence of God.”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God

“Loss is not simply an emotional experience. It is also intellectual; forcing us to think about what is true, right, and real. Everyone believes something in the face of loss. One might decide to deny the existence of God and conclude that life is utterly meaningless and random. But that, too, is a rational response to the problem of suffering. I did not turn away from or blame God after the accident. Instead, I questioned everything. What makes the best sense out of life? That God exists, or that God doesn’t exist? That there is a universal morality, or that there is none? That God is in control, or that life itself is random? It strikes me as dishonest and irresponsible to put only God on trial after an experience of suffering.”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God

“Mike Mason writes about surrender and suffering in The Gospel According to Job, In retrospect I can see that a large part of my anguish was rooted in the fact that there really was nothing I could do to control what was happening to me. I was absolutely helpless, and it is this, perhaps, that is the soul of suffering, this terrifying impotence. We Christians do not like to think about being absolutely helpless in the hands of our God. With all our faith and with all His grace, we still prefer to maintain some semblance of control over our lives. When difficulties arise, we like to think that there are certain steps we can take, or attitudes we can adopt, to alleviate our anguish and be happy. There are no easy answers to suffering - there is no such thing as getting a grip on oneself or pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. The only bootstrap in the Christian life is the cross (Mason 1994, x-xi).”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God

“We are all called to do, not extraordinary things, but very ordinary things, with an extraordinary love that flows from the heart of God” (Vanier, 1989, 298).”
― Frauke C. Schaefer, Trauma and Resilence: Effectively Supporting those who Serve God