My hometown, Stillwater, Oklahoma, has been in my heart and on my mind since hearing word of the OSU Homecoming parade crash yesterday morning.
I can’t imagine the images and sounds that eyewitnesses took in at the corner of Main Street and Hall of Fame. Several people I knew were witnesses and a couple of people were survivors.
I hope that in sharing this post many of the eyewitnesses and victims will learn there is help for processing this event; instead of allowing it to consume their thought life from this day forward.
A few years ago I witnessed a motorcycle accident that led to the cyclist’s death. I constantly thought about the point of impact, the body being repeatedly hit as it flew through the air, was pushed forward, and eventually rolled to a stop. The worst images and sounds came as I stood over the man to pray for him.
I received therapy from a trained Christian counselor who helped me focus on God and His truth, and recall His words through scripture, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), through the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.
My counselor helped me pray my way through the events by replacing the traumatic memories with God’s healing truth; His words, which are medicinal. My heart and mind needed healing.
“He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19
Please understand my psychologist, Terri, did not heal my hurt. I asked God for help and he had Terri assist as Jesus interceded and the Holy Spirit ministered.
Read more about EMDR at Motorcycle Accident: God Heals-Part 3