This morning I found out some disturbing information about a few of my teachers from high school, one of whom was also my coach. I went to a small “Christian” school in the Midwest, and honestly some of it isn’t super surprising, but I’m struggling with overwhelm of how to process the rest of it. Do you all do or consume anything for help when things like this come up? I’d love to know!

  1. Ugh... Angela, I am so sorry to hear this. I have experienced this more times in my life than should ever be allowed. I hate it. As I thought about your question, I realized I can't recall having a specific "method" for dealing with these. Honestly, it's probably because every time it happens I hope it will never happen again. That said, I thought about several of them and looked for some consistent things I did (even if they weren't planned to be). Here are some things that came to mind: - I talked about it with someone/people I trust. I tend to keep this circle small and to people I know will listen and pray with/for me. And when I say pray, I mean like right then and there, not just say, "I will be praying for you." I have included a professional therapist in some of these instances. - I let myself lament the tragedy. I acknowledged and kept accepting (rarely a one and done thing) that the situation was horrible. I let myself be angry at people who wronged others. I let myself be sad for the victims. I reminded myself over and over that God is angry at the injustice and mourns for the victims too. - I prayed for everyone involved. This usually starts pretty rough and gets better over time. I usually start because I know it's the right thing to do more than because I feel like it. However, as time goes on I find myself longing to pray more (even for those who wronged). I wouldn't say, "This is the way to do it," but these are things I have done fairly consistently. I haven't done this as consistently, but I have also soaked myself in the book of Lamentations at times and I have a specific worship playlist I have made that I will just listen to on repeat. Now that I am actually thinking about this like a "process," I should probably add those to my personal list. Although, I am hoping it never happens again, so maybe I shouldn't plan for it 😉.

  2. Yes, I think each experience of this sort of betrayal is so unique that a set of actions may not apply to every experience, but I really appreciate what you’ve suggested. Thank you for sharing, Mike!