Good Faith

When Is Trauma An Opportunity For Spiritual Growth? (with Rev. Summer Joy Gross)

Aug 10, 2024

47:49

Snipd AI

Rev. Summer Joy Gross, an author and spiritual director specializing in Attachment Theory, joins the discussion to illuminate the intersection of trauma and spiritual growth. She explores how broken attachments to God can exacerbate anxieties related to current events. Listeners will learn practical spiritual practices like journaling and the Immanuel approach to enhance faith during emotional struggles. Rev. Gross emphasizes the importance of honest communication with the divine and offers strategies for cultivating secure attachments in families.

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Quick takeaways

Traumatic events can be transformative, prompting believers to deepen their intimacy with God and reflect on their faith amid chaos.

Attachment theory reveals that early caregiver relationships shape our spiritual experiences, highlighting the importance of secure attachments for faith development.

Deep dives

The Intersection of World Events and Spiritual Growth

Traumatic world events, such as political turmoil, can foster personal spiritual growth for followers of Jesus. These moments can serve as opportunities to deepen intimacy with God, as they prompt reflection on how world happenings relate to one's faith. The discussion emphasizes that engaging with difficult events can allow individuals to ask critical questions about their inner experiences and their connection to God. By examining the impact of such events on their spiritual lives, believers can cultivate a more profound relationship with Jesus amidst chaos.

Intro

2min

Healing Through Spirituality and Attachment

25min

Navigating Emotional Turmoil Through Spiritual Practices

4min

Transforming Boredom into Spiritual Growth

8min

Transforming Trauma into Spiritual Growth

6min

Finding Spiritual Direction

5min

Host Curtis Chang welcomes Rev. Summer Joy Gross, author of The Emmanuel Promise, to explore how a broken attachment to God can amplify anxieties stemming from politics, interpersonal relationships, and global events like the crisis in Israel. Rev. Gross, drawing on her expertise as a spiritual director and her study of Attachment Theory, shares intentional spiritual practices to help cultivate a deeper attunement to God in all our emotions. This conversation offers practical steps to move beyond avoidance and frustration, guiding listeners toward greater internal security.

Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!

Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church

Connect with the work of Rev. Summer Joy Gross HERE

Summer Joy Gross's book: The Emmanuel Promise - Discovering the Security of a Life Held by God

REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism as edited by J.I. Packer

Dallas Willard on Spiritual Formation

Excerpt from Jim Wilder's book Renovated (Dallas Willard's concept of being attached to God)

Sungshim Loppnow and Jim Wilder's book: Joyful Journey: Listening to Immanuel

How to pray St. Ignatius's Examen

Jim Manney's Book: A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer - Discovering the Power of St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen

Grafted Directory of Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA)