These are difficult times. Horrific events are hitting us from every angle…both foreign and domestic. Wars, terrorism, famine, natural disaster…it’s difficult to escape images and stories splashed across our TVs and news feeds. Our hearts are broken with each tragedy and we reach across the miles to our brothers and sisters. Today, we are Parisian in solidarity. Tomorrow? Who knows?

When the events of 9/11 unfolded, I was in the throes of heartbreak over the end of my second marriage. I was actively grieving, making each terrifying image cut even deeper into the chasm where my heart used to live. I wasn’t sure how to process what was happening and my brain was shorting out from the months of sadness it had already endured. I struggled from the combination of traumatic stress, grief, and terrorism.

Post 9/11 brought a decade of research and evaluation of the short and long term effects of terrorism and a number of studies were published. The American Psychological Association published this excellent article on the topic.

If you are grieving already, something like the terror in Paris this week can quickly send you into emotional overload. Gone are those strong arms that comforted us in troubling times. Don’t forget to take special care of yourself in the coming days. Unplug and give yourself a break from the media coverage. Your reactions are more than likely quite normal…but adding excess worry to an already full plate isn’t healthy. If you need to, ask your doctor or seek the help of a trained mental health provider. There is no shame in that.

I hand my worries over to God. He carries them for me. When the going gets tough, He is my shield.

❤️???❤️

“Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”

Luke 21:17-19 NIV