Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #10 — Childhood Trauma

Picture: Counsel #10 — Childhood Trauma CI 168.1

You don’t outgrow every scar. Childhood trauma, whether it’s emotional neglect, abuse, or instability, can leave wounds that shape how you see yourself today. Feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, or mistrust often stem from painful early messages that told you: “You’re not enough,” “You’re too stupid,” or “You don’t matter.” CI 168.2

No matter who misled you in the past, here’s what’s true: Those messages were lies of the enemy, and they can be replaced! Science confirms that trauma does indeed change brain development, but healing is also possible, especially when faith and therapy work together. God sees the layers of hurt others may have missed, and even so, He not only calls you valuable, but He calls you His own. Recovery from childhood trauma starts with acknowledging what happened to you and recognizing the impact that trauma has had on your life. The next and most important step is to refuse to let it define your worth. Whether through counseling, prayer, community, or journaling, the trajectory to healing is holy ground. You are not broken beyond repair. You are becoming; the very image of God is being restored in you!^[184] CI 168.3

“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” Psalms 146:5 NIV CI 168.4

“God’s healing power runs all through nature.” Ellen White in Medical Ministry, p. 11 CI 168.5

Reflect: What lies of the enemy are you still believing? What does God say instead? CI 168.6