Gathering the Gleanings: Reflections on Life in the Ministry

Perhaps you remember that little book that came out in the late 1980’s, by Robert Fulghum All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. I remember my copy was worn, like my favorite Bible. Well because besides my Bible and Jeanette Oake books this little book was it. I was fascinated – as were over 7 million people. Simple things like: wash your hands before you eat, say your sorry when you hurt someone, clean up your mess, flush, don’t hurt people – you get the picture. However, wait for it, warm milk and cookies are good for you – yes, yes, yes they are!

I thought about this lovely book (which by the way will be on my kindle soon), as I partially listened as my husband rewatched The West Wing. You see this runs on in the back of my mind. I have learned a lot about the White House (or perceived White House) happenings as this plays in the background to the noise of my own brain. I know people stay up all night, or I am sure they do, they know little about self care. I have discovered there is a Press Secretary, a presidential doctor, a white house communication director, a deputy chief of staff, chief of staff, deputy communication director, presidential personal aide and I suspect the list could go on. Of course like any organization there are a ton of other people running around getting coffee, making arragements, and being busy.

Remember, I was a Canadian citizen so these dynamics become important and teach me a lot, even if i am only partially listening to its constant sound. Everything I have learnt about the white house dynamics I have learned from the West Wing. Fascinating I must say.

I learn something extra fascinating one day, as I partially listened, when Josh, deputy chief of staff was being interviewed by a psychologist for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When he questioned who the young lady was with them in the room she said she was a Traumatologist Intern. I did a double take. I had never heard this term, in all my research on trauma – I never encountered it not once. I can not quite say everything I know about Traumatolgist I learned from the West Wing I can however say, I first did. Furthermore, I heard this word for over a week – the word played over and over in my mind and I spoke it frequently because I thought it sounded cool and it fascinated me.

I still find myself saying traumatologist frequently. So fascinated I decided to investigate. The American Pyschological Journal states:

“Traumatology^® is a primary reference for professionals all over the world who study and treat people exposed to highly stressful and traumatic events, such as terrorist bombings, war disasters, fires, accidents, criminal and familial abuse, hostage-taking, hospitalization, major illness, abandonment, and sudden unemployment.”

So basically what the word implies – one who works with trauma. This young lady was in the room learning the ins and out of PTSD which becomes a part of being a traumatologist.

Naturally, I thought of wether there could be a religious traumatologist. I believed so and still do. Religious caregivers deal with all sorts of trauma. The Americian Pyschologist journal again states…

“Whether you are a psychologist, medical or nursing professional, aid worker, social worker, or other disaster/trauma professional, Traumatology will help you better understand how to work with disaster victims and their families, as well as other caregivers”.

So there are indeed, without a question of a doubt religious traumatologists. And yes, I would be so bold as to be so specific in its name. Religious trauma is different and unique. Not less than or worse than other trauma simply different.

Those of us passionate about religious trauma and work to be with folk in trauma informed ways in their work are religious traumatologists, educate others on its important – we my friends are Religious Traumatologists!

So basically everything I learnt about traumatologists in general came from the West Wing and American Physcologists Journal. As for Religious Traumatologists that might be created in my brain, however, like minded and educated folk – lets claim it!