I just watched a video about a couple that was caught in Hurricane Helene in Asheville.  It was horrific what these people have gone through. This couple happened to be able to video their whole journey and was able to get out safely, but through much perseverance. I am aware that when people go through these types of disasters, they bind together to help one another withstand the stress.  They were able to form a caravan with people they met along the way to help support them.

Gas stations were few and far between, long lines everywhere, water up to the highway lanes, and trees uprooted everywhere. It was a sight that we never want to see or experience.

What helps people through these disasters? I believe the resilience of mankind can draw on their inner strength to pioneer through these difficulties. My faith would say it’s the spirit of God that empowers us to plow through and have power in our weak moments. There is a scripture that keeps coming to me: Corinthians 12:9.  “My power (Christ’s power) is made perfect in weakness.” Where are you feeling inadequate or weak? and what does it look like to move forward to trust? Can we trust that we have the power that’s not in our own strength to move forward?

What I love about these times is how people bind together to form a community of support. There is no more hostility or trying to get ahead of your neighbors. There seems to be a giving spirit that comes out of a community wanting to support one another.

You may not have gone through a hurricane crisis lately, but you may experience an event that seems bigger than life. It may keep you in a constant state of anxiety. It might have consumed your thoughts and you may feel stuck in  fight or flight and not being able to move forward.

In studying brain science, I am aware that the amygdala holds onto trauma in the back side of the brain. When we hold onto this trauma it keeps us in fight or flight. What scientist and psychologist are aware of is that we can get out of this state through experiencing a positive memory of love and appreciation. That will then open the frontal cortex of the brain. When we can exercise this on a regular basis, it allows us to better connect with ourselves, others, and God.

I am especially appreciative of what science has uncovered about our ability to recapture our joy center of the brain. When we go through these deeper crises, we can focus on gratitude as a way to open up the frontal cortex for more positive connection rather than stay in negativity.

In addition, working through the trauma feelings can be helpful to allow ourselves to fully heal. If you’re feeling stuck in the muck of your distress, it will be helpful to work through the distress with a trauma specialist so you can heal.