That may offend some people, particularly those who were hurt by my sin. I don't use that term lightly because I know for a fact I don't deserve to be "thriving." That's what is so amazing about God's grace - it isn't earned. I still can't explain why God allowed us to thrive and survive adultery, since so few do. I am grateful, though.
The premise of PTG, post traumatic growth, is that through trauma, we can become stronger and better, not just worse or develop disorders. Traumatic life events are very painful and can cause life long damage, BUT through suffering we can grow, mature, and come through on the other side closer to God, closer to others, and have a deeper faith. It's not a guarantee, but it's possible.
It's a biblical concept that we tend to overlook. As Christ followers, our hope is not to be in ourselves or our circumstances; it's in a Person, called Jesus Christ. None of us likes to suffer, but God can use our suffering for good; whether it's self-inflicted or not.
Amy and I have gone through one of the hardest difficulties a marriage can face. We've seen and felt the hand of God from day one. We've come through it stronger, better, and more hopeful. I don't know if I would have believed someone if they had they told me 2 1/2 years ago we would be closer than ever by February 2014. We are living out the concept of post traumatic growth. Wow. God is good.
What is PTG? Here is an exert from the PTG research website.
Post Traumatic Growth,PTG Research Group, UNC Charlotte, http://ptgi.uncc.edu/
What is post-traumatic growth? It is positive change experienced as a result of the struggle with a major life crisis or a traumatic event. Although we coined the term post-traumatic growth, the idea that human beings can be changed by their encounters with life challenges, sometimes in radically positive ways, is not new. The theme is present in ancient spiritual and religious traditions, literature, and philosophy. What is reasonably new is the systematic study of this phenomenon by psychologists, social workers, counselors, and scholars in other traditions of clinical practice and scientific investigation.
What forms does post-traumatic growth take? Post-traumatic growth tends to occur in five general areas. Sometimes people who must face major life crises develop a sense that new opportunities have emerged from the struggle, opening up possibilities that were not present before. A second area is a change in relationships with others. Some people experience closer relationships with some specific people, and they can also experience an increased sense of connection to others who suffer. A third area of possible change is an increased sense of one’s own strength – “if I lived through that, I can face anything”. A fourth aspect of post-traumatic growth experienced by some people is a greater appreciation for life in general. The fifth area involves the spiritual or religious domain. Some individuals experience a deepening of their spiritual lives; however, this deepening can also involve a significant change in one’s belief system.________________________________________________________________________________________
"Trauma disrupts your core beliefs. It’s not the trauma itself that leads to growth but the process of rebuilding, of creating new anchors in a life that has become unmoored.”
Judith Mangelsdorf, Ph.D., Bjorn Schulz Foundation
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John 16:33, (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
James 1:12, (NIV)
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
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