BRAIN INJURY 101: A Message of Hope
It seems to me (from what I’ve read and heard) that people (in general) are very much in a panic over the current health situation in our country and around the world. Feelings of isolation, anxiety, dread and fear tend to overwhelm them.
Welcome to the world of brain trauma
Whether it be a TBI (traumatic brain injury), stroke or PTSD, these are feelings that many of us have dealt with or continue to deal with every day of our “new” lives. We may live with loved ones, but we too, may still feel isolated. We who have suffered brain trauma understand totally this new “surreal normal”. Welcome to our world. And in our world, we either learn to overcome these feelings, or these feelings will rule our lives forever.
Is there a solution?
As people of the world navigates this world of brain trauma, you ask, “Is there a solution for all this panic and fear?” I believe there is, however, one must first assess what we are afraid of. Is it a real threat? Has the threat been exaggerated? Or is it fear of the unknown? If the threat has been exaggerated or is unknown, then here is what we have:
The media is very good at reporting and exaggerating the bad news. It becomes an addiction of sorts and people feel they need to be glued to the news channels for constant updates. But, as I stated before, is the news exaggerated or true? Does it give hope or cast the shadow of fear?
There is hope for all this fear.
In 1 John 4:18, John, the beloved apostle, is telling his flock (followers of Jesus Christ) that, “There is no fear in love and perfect love casts out fear, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” So then, you ask, “What is this perfect love? How do I obtain it?” This perfect love is this: “For God so loved the world, that He sent His only Begotten Son, that who-so-ever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, he sent spies into the land that God had promised them. The men who went saw much bounty, but they also saw giants and those giants became larger in the minds of 10 of those spies than the God Who had taken them out of bondage.
The LORD God is bigger than our fears.
God told Joshua, who would finally lead His people to take possession of the land, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
In Conclusion
So, in conclusion my friend, you may be a spouse, loved one, care-giver to a brain injured person, or you are one of billions just trying to navigate the new “normal” of our daily existence. Learn from us who have had a brain trauma of sorts. You are not able to change the world, but you can change your outlook on the world.
Wash your hands, use proper social distancing, and keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. For He is with us and for us and will keep those in perfect peace whose minds are kept on Him.
