Overview:
In the wake of the recent floods in Texas, Shewanda Riley, author and pastor, reflects on the mental and spiritual exhaustion caused by constant exposure to traumatic images on social media. She suggests that while the news is important, it can be overwhelming and advises viewers to stop if it becomes too much. Instead, she encourages trust in God to help process trauma and provide comfort. Riley sends prayers of comfort to those impacted by the floods and other life circumstances.
“Oh no! Not again!” These words were the first that popped into my mind this past week as I watched the results of the vote for the bill that is poised to take away healthcare from millions. Disgusted and disappointed, I turned off my television and decided to read.Even though I was reading, I was distracted as I was processing the long-range negative impact of this legislation when I turned on my television back on to watch the news. Images of torrential rains and floods flashed across the screen that made me think it was from a hurricane. Then the reporter announced that it was from the Guadalupe River in central Texas near Austin. For about 10 minutes, I was mesmerized by the repeated video of the deadly flood water but saddened to hear that it had taken so many lives. Sadly, as of this writing, there are estimates of 70 deaths with the number expected to rise.
Watching the video of the flood plus pictures of those of died led to another emotion: a weariness, a spiritual and mental exhaustion that comes from processing trauma over and over. From the horrifying images of the violent and aggressive “ICE” agents terrorizing communities to the images of the latest weather catastrophe, social media has allowed traumas to stay on a 24-hour continuous loop. As a result, trauma makes you feel helpless, tired, and frustrated.
A few years ago, after George Floyd’s murder, I wrote how I was frustrated with pastors who failed to address the Floyd murder or provide tips to their congregation on how to deal with the lingering effects of the trauma of seeing the video of his murder shown repeatedly on television and social media. Thinking back on what I wrote back then and seeing the situation years later, I realize that it was unfair to expect pastors to have a magical cure when they themselves may have been trying to process the trauma.
The bible has a variety of verses that explore how to deal with trauma.One that I find especially comforting is Psalm 91: 14-15. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. Part of the reason why I like these verses is because they point to how we should view our relationship with God while processing trauma. Verse 15 says that he will be with us in trouble then deliver us from the trouble/trauma.
So even if you choose to watch the news but find yourself overwhelmed emotionally, trust that God wants to help you deal with it and not ignore it. For so many reasons, the news is important and should not be overlooked. However, if watching the news gets too overwhelming, stop watching. Rather expecting the trauma to miraculously disappear, we must trust that God will be with us as we process the trauma.
Sending prayers of comfort and peace to all impacted by the floods, ICE detentions and other unexpected life circumstances.
Shewanda Riley is a Dallas-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving from Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram @shewandawrites.